– They write further. Norwegian efficiency gave the Dutch a brutal introduction to the Champions League
NEC Nijmegen has been given a brutal introduction to what the Champions League is all about. On their own turf, Dick Schreuder’s side were given a lesson in efficiency by Bodø/Glimt, who won 3–1. According to Dutch football expert Hedwiges Maduro, it was a complete tactical masterclass from Kjetil Knutsen’s men.
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“This was a lesson in how to fight the NEC,” Maduro said after the fight.
He was very impressed with Bodø/Glimt’s game plan:
“NEC will put high pressure, play one-on-one and direct. Bodø/Glimt played long and defended low. Thus, NEC never got into its own game. They had a lot of the ball, but had to be extremely careful. Every time they lost the ball, Bodø/Glimt could counter. Actually, every Eredivisie club should be watching this game – this is perhaps the antidote to the NEC.
The mood was naturally good among the Norwegian players!
“Tame in the stands”
Tijmen van Wissing noticed that NEC’s powerlessness on the pitch rubbed off on the audience:
“I thought it was a bit tame in the stadium. NEC played slowly, and even though they tried to play their own game, it seemed like they couldn’t do anything else.
Danny Koevermans agreed that Bodø/Glimt were good, but emphasized that NEC is still hanging on:
“Bodø/Glimt is simply a good Champions League participant. It’s a shame, but NEC is still in the game. They tried to play their own game, and I think they showed themselves in a good way.
The Solution: Tadic and Ball Possession
If more Eredivisie clubs follow Bodø/Glimt’s example, hard work awaits Schreuder and the staff. Maduro believes the NEC has already taken action with the signing of Dušan Tadić:
“He’s a player who is very good between the lines – a different type. In addition, they have to get better at holding on to the ball longer.
However, he does not think many Dutch teams will adapt to the NEC:
“In the Netherlands, we don’t adapt so quickly. Especially not if it means you have to play long distances – that sounds dirty in the Netherlands. But that’s exactly the medicine.
Chery: “We have to believe in it and give it our all”
Tjaronn Chery was disappointed after the game, but hope is alive:
“A bit awkward now. Luckily we scored, but too bad that Kers’ last header went into the bar. Otherwise, it would have looked better. Now we have to give it our all over there.
According to Chery, Bodø/Glimt were deadly effective:
“They are deadly. Not much happened – they defended well and countered directly. One mistake is one goal against. That’s how it is in this tournament.
He admits that it will be tough in the return:
“We know it will be difficult. All teams that go there are struggling. It will be a big job, but we have to believe in it and give it our all.
Crettaz: “Small mistakes become big in the Champions League”
Goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz emphasized that the NEC must learn quickly:
“For many of us, this was the first Champions League game. We have seen that this is the top level. Small mistakes here become big mistakes. We have to learn quickly – we have little time.
He also saw a clear difference in experience:
“They have more experience – we could see that.
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