NEC's Champions League Dream Comes With an Unexpected Headache for Dick Schreuder

Dick Schreuder has admitted that NEC Nijmegen's historic Champions League qualifying campaign has brought an unexpected source of frustration — the extensive changes being made around De Goffert.

NEC are preparing for a potentially historic night against Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League play-off round on Wednesday, having already eliminated Olympiacos in a dramatic previous round. UEFA confirms the first leg will take place in Nijmegen on 19 August.

[UEFA.com +1]

But while the club is embracing its biggest European adventure, Schreuder has revealed that the preparations have not been completely straightforward.

The Champions League makeover has created daily problems

NEC have had to make adjustments to De Goffert to meet the requirements associated with hosting Champions League football.

According to De Telegraaf, as reported by Goal, those changes have affected the club's usual routines, with Schreuder particularly frustrated by logistical issues around the stadium and training base.

Even something as simple as parking has become a headache for the NEC boss.

Schreuder's frustration is understandable. His priority is preparing a team that has already exceeded expectations, and he does not want logistical changes around the stadium to interfere with that preparation.

Schreuder has one priority above everything else

Despite the changes around him, Schreuder insists the focus must remain on the football.

His message is that Champions League branding and stadium alterations mean little if the team cannot perform at the required level.

That attitude reflects how NEC have approached their remarkable European run.

The club finished third in the 2025/26 Eredivisie — the best league finish in its history — to earn a place in Champions League qualifying for the first time.

[Flashscore]

Now they are just two matches away from potentially reaching the competition's league phase.

NEC have already survived a huge test

Their route to the play-off round has hardly been simple.

NEC drew 0-0 away to Olympiacos in the third qualifying round before producing a dramatic home performance in the return leg.

The Dutch side eventually won after extra time, eliminating the Greek champions and setting up the tie against Bodø/Glimt.

[NL Times +1]

That victory has transformed what was already a historic campaign into something even bigger.

Schreuder now has the opportunity to guide NEC into the Champions League proper — but Bodø/Glimt stand between them and that achievement.

One more hurdle stands between NEC and history

The first leg against Bodø/Glimt takes place at De Goffert on Wednesday, with the return leg to follow.

UEFA's squad information confirms Schreuder remains in charge of NEC, while experienced names including Dušan Tadić, Tjarron Chery and Bryan Linssen form part of the squad for the tie.

[UEFA.com]

Schreuder knows the occasion will demand everything from his players.

He has already called on the supporters to create an atmosphere capable of helping NEC compete with Bodø/Glimt, while stressing the importance of reaching their peak performance. [Goal]

The irony is that while NEC are preparing for the biggest European nights in their history, their manager is still worrying about something considerably less glamorous.

Parking spaces.

For Schreuder, however, the frustration is ultimately a small price to pay for how far NEC have come.

The Champions League has changed De Goffert — and if NEC can overcome Bodø/Glimt, the club could soon discover that the biggest changes are only just beginning.

Fan Debate

●⚽ Goal: Can NEC reach the Champions League league phase?

●🔥 Fire: How far can Dick Schreuder take NEC in Europe?

●😲 Shock: Did you expect NEC to get this close to the Champions League?

●👍 Like: Could the De Goffert atmosphere help them beat Bodø/Glimt?

●💬 Comment: Are NEC the surprise story of this season's Champions League qualifying campaign?