Santiago Gimenez refused to call it a crisis at Feyenoord ahead of the Champions League clash with Bayern Munich. The Mexican striker sees the match against the German powerhouse as a great opportunity to make amends.
Feyenoord will face Bayern Munich on Wednesday, January 22, at 21:00, in a pivotal Champions League clash.
After a series of disappointing results in the Eredivisie, the Dutch team is under pressure to prove themselves against one of Europe’s most dominant clubs. Recent defeats to PSV and FC Utrecht, as well as a draw at Willem II, have widened the gap to the league’s top spots, raising questions about Feyenoord’s current form and consistency. Despite this, Santiago Gimenez, Feyenoord’s standout striker, remains optimistic about the team’s ability to bounce back and make a strong statement on the European stage.
During a press conference ahead of the Bayern Munich match, Gimenez was asked if the team’s struggles indicated a crisis. The 23-year-old dismissed the notion, emphasizing the natural ups and downs of football and expressing confidence in Feyenoord’s resilience. He firmly stated, "No, I don’t think so. We’re okay this is football. Ups and downs are part of it. We fight, as always. It’s easy to be on top, but now is when the real teams show up. We’re aiming for a comeback, for sure." His words reflect not only his own determination but also the collective spirit of the squad, which is determined to rise to the challenge.
Gimenez himself has faced criticism in recent weeks as his form in front of goal has mirrored the team’s broader struggles. After a stunning hat-trick in Feyenoord’s 5-2 victory over Heracles Almelo, the striker has scored just once in the following three league matches, finding the net against FC Utrecht. This dip in output highlights a larger issue for Feyenoord, as the team has struggled to convert their dominance into goals in crucial matches. Reflecting on this, Gimenez admitted, "In the last few matches, we deserved more, against Willem II and FC Utrecht. We were dominant, but we didn’t finish our chances. That’s been the issue since the winter break, and we need to change that. We’re working on it. Fewer words, more action." His candid acknowledgment of the problem underscores the team’s awareness of what must improve if they are to regain their winning form.
The match against Bayern Munich offers Feyenoord a significant opportunity to turn their fortunes around. Bayern, a perennial Champions League favorite, is known for their dominant possession-based style of play and clinical finishing. Facing such a formidable opponent might seem daunting, but Gimenez and his teammates see it as an opportunity rather than a threat. The striker revealed that the team has studied footage of clubs that have successfully defeated Bayern, identifying the counterattack as a key strategy to exploit. "We’ve watched videos of teams that have beaten Bayern. The counter will be the key. Bayern is strong in possession, and we need to be ready for that," he explained, signaling Feyenoord’s intent to capitalize on quick transitions and sharp execution.
Within the squad, there is a strong sense of accountability and determination to perform at a higher level. Gimenez shared that the players are acutely aware of the need to improve, both individually and collectively. "We know we can do more and be better that’s the reality. We need to be humble and look ahead. Work hard. You can talk all you want, but you have to show it on the pitch," he said. His words reflect a maturity and focus that will be critical as Feyenoord prepares to face one of the most challenging fixtures of their season.
The stakes are high for Feyenoord, not only in terms of advancing in the Champions League but also in restoring confidence and momentum. A strong performance against Bayern Munich could serve as a turning point, lifting the team’s spirits and setting the tone for the remainder of their campaign. For Gimenez, it is an opportunity to reaffirm his value as a key player and to lead by example, showing the fight and determination that Feyenoord fans expect from their team. The road ahead will not be easy, but Feyenoord enters the clash with a sense of purpose and belief, ready to seize the moment and prove their worth on the European stage.
