Algeria international Anis Hadj Moussa has taken steps to repair his relationship with Feyenoord after a disciplinary dispute, with Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Barcelona offering him a chance to put the controversy behind him.
The 24-year-old winger found himself out of Feyenoord’s squad for their Dutch league match against Nijmegen after arriving late for team gatherings on two occasions.
His disciplinary problems came at a time when his future at the Rotterdam club was uncertain. Hadj Moussa had been linked with a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad, and his focus on a potential transfer coincided with the incidents that angered Feyenoord’s technical staff.
The proposed move to the Jeddah-based club ultimately failed to materialise, leaving Hadj Moussa at Feyenoord and facing the task of rebuilding his relationship with the squad.
Rather than allowing the situation to continue, the Algeria international chose to address his team-mates directly.
Hadj Moussa spoke to the Feyenoord players and delivered a speech in front of the group, with the intention of apologising for what had happened and clearing the air inside the dressing room.
Feyenoord coach Van Bronckhorst confirmed the player’s approach during his pre-match press conference ahead of the Barcelona fixture.
“I think that was the only thing Hadj Moussa could do to get back into the team. It was serious, but there was also some laughter from time to time. I think it was a good way to put what happened behind us.”
The manager’s comments suggest that Hadj Moussa’s decision to confront the issue directly has helped create an opportunity for him to return to the team’s plans.
That opportunity could come in one of the biggest matches available to Feyenoord this season, against Barcelona in the Champions League.
Van Bronckhorst believes the fixture could provide the perfect stage for the winger to respond through his performances after the problems that surrounded him away from the pitch.
“I think there is no better match for him than this to do the talking with his feet.”
The comments underline the importance of Hadj Moussa’s attacking qualities to Feyenoord as they prepare to face the Catalan side.
For the Algerian, the match represents more than another European fixture. It could be an opportunity to demonstrate that the dispute surrounding his conduct and failed transfer has been put firmly behind him.
Hadj Moussa remains under contract with Feyenoord until 2030, despite the collapse of his proposed move to Al-Ittihad on the final day of the Saudi summer transfer window.
The failed transfer had reportedly involved an offer from Al-Ittihad worth more than 40m euros. Hadj Moussa’s market value is currently listed at 23m euros by Transfermarkt.
His future therefore remains a significant part of the wider story around the player, but his immediate priority is now football with Feyenoord.
Before the Barcelona match, Hadj Moussa had made four appearances for Feyenoord in the Dutch league this season. He has scored once and provided one assist during those matches.
The winger will now hope that his efforts to resolve the dressing-room dispute, followed by a strong display against Barcelona, can mark the beginning of a new chapter.
With his transfer to Al-Ittihad no longer happening and his long-term contract with Feyenoord still in place, Hadj Moussa has an opportunity to shift the focus back to his performances.
For Feyenoord, his attacking ability could prove particularly important against Barcelona. For Hadj Moussa, meanwhile, Wednesday’s Champions League fixture could offer the ideal setting to show that the problems surrounding him are now part of the past.
