Feyenoord overcame the challenge of a coaching change and defeated AC Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday night. With a 1-0 victory over the Rossoneri, coach Pascal Bosschaart made a dream debut in charge of the Dutch club.
Bosschaarti was asked to take charge of the team just about 48 hours before the first leg of the Champions League knockout stage.
And the victory for his team was decided by the third-minute goal scored by Igor Paixao.
Feyenoord sacked coach Brian Priske on Monday after poor form, but it had a positive impact.
"I don't dream often, but this is the scenario I hope for," Bosschaart admitted after moving from Feyenoord U21 to the senior team.
"The things the staff planned turned out well and it's a very good feeling. It was the credit of the whole team. I want to compliment everyone. We defended extremely well and we had the plan to attack from the wings."
Feyenoord took advantage of Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan's poor reaction, although Paixao's shot was very powerful.
But Feyenoord had other chances at the "De Kuip" stadium, with the home team's passionate fans.
"The boys have played big games before, with fight and passion. The only thing is to take the pressure off them and give them confidence. We have succeeded with this, but I am not the one who should take the credit," Bosschaart added.
He said the 1-0 win was the first step. "It doesn't mean we're safe and we could have won the game 2-0. But we're in a good scenario," he told reporters.
Captain Quinten Timbers hopes to be fit for the return leg at San Siro in a week's time. He was taken off after 15 minutes with swelling in his knee.
"After I fell at first, I felt good, but then things got difficult. I hope it's not something serious."
