Rebrov: Champions League participation brings pride and responsibility

The Green and Whites have come this far unbeaten, having played eleven matches since the start of the season without losing. Of course, Barcelona re on a completely different level to the teams Fradi have faced so far, but the reigning Hungarian champions can prepare for the clash with a healthy confidence.

The Catalan giants had started the Spanish La Liga championship with two victories, but have just one draw to show from their two most recent games after losing away to Getafe 1-0 last Saturday. Next weekend will be an important time for both teams since they will contest their biggest derby matches, Barca against Real Madrid and Ferencváros against Újpest. However, neither team is looking that far ahead and are instead focusing on their opening fixture of the Champions League group stage.

"We want to start the Champions League well, that is, with a victory," said Ronald Koeman, Barcelona's Dutch manager at the official press conference ahead of Tuesday night's match. "We are expecting a tough match at home. There’s always pressure on the team to win, but I’m optimistic about the match. Ferencváros is a very strong, physical team which likes to be in possession of the ball, so we will stand out with our best players. Our opponent has attacking players who can make our lives harder, but at the same time we have to play our own game. Currently, it is not El Clásico on Saturday, but the match against Ferencváros, which is the most important".

In contrast, Serhiy Rebrov, the head coach of Ferencváros, pointed out that his footballers without Champions League experience will have to adapt to Barcelona's style of play, but he is sure that all his players will give their maximum in this game which will take place behind closed doors:

“It’s a completely different 'coffee house', a different level than where we’ve been so far,” Rebrov said. “We play away and many of our players don’t have any Champions League experience, so I think we’ll focus on the opponent’s game first and then of course we’ll see how things unfold. There are no really big stars at Ferencváros; what we achieved, we achieved with hard work and teamwork. Now, here in the Champions League, we represent not only Ferencváros, but the whole of Hungary, so it brings huge pride and responsibility and therefore I'm sure everyone will give their best. The first match will definitely be very difficult and the players will definitely get a little nervous, but as soon as they enter the pitch, this nervousness will pass," Ferencváros' head coach concluded.

Barcelona v Ferencváros, Tuesday, 21:00 (live on M4 Sport TV)