Ruud Gullit urges Feyenoord to stay grounded after Como win

Feyenoord secured a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Como 1907 in the UEFA Champions League at De Kuip, sparking widespread enthusiasm across Rotterdam while prompting caution from club icon Ruud Gullit, as reported by FR12.nl. While the result lifted the Dutch giants in European competition, analysts and former players alike have pointed out both high-flying individual displays and glaring tactical deficiencies that require immediate correction.

Keeping Both Feet on the Ground After European Success

Reflecting on the club’s trajectory under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Gullit emphasized that the squad must remain grounded despite positive early-season momentum. Speaking to Ziggo Sport, the former midfielder noted that while the team is playing entertaining football and supporters are visibly energized, expectations must be managed carefully. We are only at the beginning of the season, huh, Gullit stated. We have to take it easy, we don’t want to blow our own horn too high. That doesn’t belong at Feyenoord, we have to keep both feet on the ground.

Following the European triumph, Gullit lightheartedly described waking up to dancing cockroaches—a playful nod to a group chat he shares with Ajax supporters. Beyond the banter, the broader consensus among pundits is that Feyenoord’s tactical discipline and clever game management carried them through against Italian opposition. Gullit noted that the players used their heads during the match, playing smartly and choosing their moments well.

Anis Hadj Moussa Delivers the Difference on the Right Flank

Anis Hadj Moussa emerged as the focal point of Feyenoord’s attacking output, scoring once and consistently troubling the Como backline. The best purchase is actually that he stayed, Gullit observed. Everyone is naturally very happy at Feyenoord that he stayed. I also like the way he processed this. Gullit also remarked, I felt it coming, he is after all the difference, and praised the player’s absolute class and the individual brilliance that decided the contest.

However, analysts also highlighted defensive concerns accompanying his attacking freedom. Kees van Wonderen pointed out that Hadj Moussa frequently gambles on offensive positioning, leaving teammates to cover his defensive responsibilities. The overlapping run sets him up on the inside, and yet defensively he starts gambling and stays put, Van Wonderen remarked. Nevertheless, his synergy with right-back Givairo Read created persistent headaches for the visitors. Read’s overlapping runs provide Hadj Moussa with multiple options, making the right side of Feyenoord’s formation exceptionally difficult to neutralize.

Nacho Ferri Faces Sharp Scrutiny Over Link-Up Play

While the wide players earned widespread praise, summer signing Nacho Ferri bore the brunt of tactical criticism. Feyenoord acquired Ferri from KVC Westerlo in a deal worth nine million euros—potentially rising to eleven million euros with add-ons—securing his signature on a contract running until mid-2030. Despite netting five goals in his first nine official appearances, his performance against Como revealed limitations in tight spaces.

We have been lauding Ferri the last few matches, but now I have been watching him closely: he participates too little in the game, Gullit stated. The moment the ball goes to the wings and Feyenoord needs to combine, Ferri has to offer himself. He doesn’t break away from his marker. Van Wonderen echoed these concerns, noting that when Como pressed higher up the pitch, large expanses of space opened up that Ferri failed to exploit quickly enough due to sluggish reactions. Gullit also pointed out that Ferri lost possession several times when attempting to turn, leading to his substitution after 79 minutes, and noted that he wandered around the pitch and allowed opponents to outsmart him.

Next Fixture and Squad Outlook

Feyenoord returns to domestic and European preparations ahead of their upcoming schedule, with coaching staff expected to address the transitional gaps highlighted by Gullit and Van Wonderen. The club continues its campaign while balancing high external expectations against the pragmatic warnings voiced by its alumni.

About Ziggo Sport

Ziggo Sport, exclusive to Ziggo customers on channel 14, is the Netherlands’ most versatile sports channel. In addition, it broadcasts major races such as Formula 1 (highlights), MotoGP, and IndyCar. Furthermore, the offering consists of the best tennis—featuring all ATP 1000 and 500 tournaments, Wimbledon, and the Davis Cup—and all golf tournaments on the PGA and European Tours, including the Majors and the Ryder Cup.

More on Feyenoord: Feyenoord hosts Como 1907 in Champions League match · Feyenoord leads Eredivisie after beating AZ amid squad depth concerns · Feyenoord additions Vanhoutte and Ferri impress analysts