Mark van Bommel delighted 'to be back'

After a 15 year gap, Mark van Bommel is back in Barcelona, now as coach of Royal Antwerp. In the pre-game press conference ahead of the Champions League clash between the Belgian champions and FC Barcelona, the Dutchman looked back at his time as a Barça player and his relationship with former team mate and current blaugrana boss Xavi Hernández.

"It's great to be back here. Xavi has always welcomed me with open arms. I have great memories of him, not just as a player but as a person. I am delighted to be here once again," said Van Bommel. 

"Barça will be our toughest opponents"

Despite it being an emotional occasion, former Barça midfielder Van Bommel is focused on the job in hand against an FC Barcelona team that the coach of the Belgian side consider "the toughest opponents we have come across." 

"I think the Barça attack is one of the best in the Champions League. In fact they have an excellent squad in all positions," continued the Dutchman. 

The Antwerp coach showed himself to be impressed by Barça performance in the recent win over Betis. "If we are talking about the Champions League then we have to talk about Barça. Xavi's team have to continue on the path they are on and they could end up winning the competition," remarked Van Bommel. 

"It's incredible to play against an opponent of this quality"

Appearing alongside Antwerp coach Mark van Bommel in the press conference was 24 year old defender Jelle Bataille. The full back admitted to wathching Xavi's team religiously: "Everyone watches Barça matches, at the very least the highlights," said the Belgian before adding, "It's incredible to be able to play against an opponent of this quality, we will do the best we can." 

Following their appearance in the press conference, Bataille and Van Bommel joined the rest of the Antwerp party to take a first look at the Estadi Olímpic where they trained ahead of the Champions League group stage opener against Barça on Tuesday, kick off 9pm CEST.