Timber looks forward to the Champions League: 'That's the best there is'

Quinten Timber, the 23-year-old Feyenoord captain, exuded confidence and excitement as he sat beside coach Brian Priske during the press conference ahead of their highly anticipated Champions League opener.

Feyenoord is set to face a formidable opponent, German champions Bayer Leverkusen, in what will be a true test of the Dutch club’s ambitions in Europe’s elite competition. Timber was fully aware of the challenge awaiting his team, acknowledging the strength of their opponents. "Last season, they were unbeaten," Timber recalled, highlighting Leverkusen’s dominant campaign. "Now, they have already lost once, but they have a plan and are one of the best teams in Europe. It’s a great challenge."

The Champions League represents the pinnacle of European club football, and for Timber, there is no greater stage. "It’s the Champions League, that’s the best there is," Timber said with enthusiasm. "This is the most prestigious competition you can play in, with the Eredivisie being just below that." His remarks reflect the sense of occasion that comes with competing in the Champions League, where the world's top clubs battle for glory. For Feyenoord, returning to this competition is not just a matter of prestige but also a statement of intent that they are once again ready to compete at the highest level.

Despite the excitement, Timber remained realistic about Feyenoord’s preparation and current state as they gear up for the first match. With several new signings over the summer, Timber acknowledged that the team is still working to find its rhythm. "We will see tomorrow whether Feyenoord is ready for the Champions League," the midfielder said. "We are certainly working very hard for it. At times, we are still searching." His comments suggest that while the team is focused and determined, the integration of new players and the adaptation to the intensity of the competition may take time.

Timber continued to explain the challenges of bringing together a squad with many new faces. "That’s understandable, we have a lot of new players. Sometimes, we need to feel a certain hunger or aggression. That takes time." His remarks hint at the difficulties of blending new talent into the squad while maintaining the high standards expected at Feyenoord. The team’s cohesion and mentality will be crucial as they face the rigors of the Champions League, where every mistake can be costly.

However, Timber was quick to stress the expectations that come with playing for a top club like Feyenoord. "But you’re also playing at a top club, so you have to perform," he said. The pressure to deliver, especially in a competition as prestigious as the Champions League, is not lost on the captain. Timber’s leadership will be essential in guiding his team through the challenges of the group stage, where they will face some of Europe’s toughest teams.

Coach Brian Priske echoed similar sentiments during the press conference, expressing optimism about the squad’s progress but acknowledging that the team will need to be at its best to compete against the likes of Bayer Leverkusen. With the group stage of the Champions League being notoriously unforgiving, Feyenoord will need to strike a balance between being cautious and ambitious as they look to make an impact in the competition.

The Rotterdam club’s return to the Champions League marks an important step in their resurgence as a major force in European football. With Timber at the helm and Priske guiding from the sidelines, Feyenoord hopes to build on their domestic success and prove they can compete on the biggest stage. For Timber, leading his team into the Champions League represents not only a personal milestone but also an opportunity to show that Feyenoord is ready to challenge Europe’s best.

As the anticipation builds for their opening match, the spotlight will be on how Feyenoord handles the pressure and whether they can rise to the occasion against one of Europe’s top teams. The Champions League is known for delivering dramatic moments and unforgettable performances, and Timber and his teammates will be eager to make their mark. Whether they succeed in their European quest remains to be seen, but for now, the excitement and determination within the squad are clear.