NEC press Conference in Athens cut short As coach rushes to training ahead of Champions League return

NEC’s pre‑match press conference in Athens descended into chaos on Monday when head coach Dick Schreuder abruptly halted the session to attend a scheduled training drill, leaving journalists scrambling for answers. The interruption came just ten minutes after the conference was slated to begin, underscoring the growing pains of a club that is making its first Champions League appearance in 17 years.

Club director Wilco van Schaik attempted to calm the situation, describing the trip as “surreal” and noting, “We fly charter to Athens for a Champions League match – it’s incredible. I’m still pinching myself, but it’s real.” His comments highlighted the historic significance of NEC’s return to Europe after nearly two decades.

Schreuder, who was in the middle of answering a question, apologized and explained that the squad was required to start training at 20:00. He promised a brief, 15‑minute session that would be open to the media, adding, “Sorry, it’s nothing personal,” and citing “interviews with the involved parties” and limited training time at the Olympiakos stadium as the cause of the delay.

NEC coach Schreuder cuts press conference short to prioritize training before Olympiakos clash

Captain Tjaronn Chery tried to downplay the drama, reminding everyone that “it’s a special day for NEC to be back in Europe after 17 years. We’ll show tomorrow what we’re capable of – not out of arrogance, but because we need confidence in a tough environment.”

The team trained on the pitch of the Georgios Karaiskákis stadium to acclimatise to a venue that holds 30,000 spectators, while more than 1,200 supporters and owner Marcel Boekhoorn prepared to flood the city. Van Schaik added that Boekhoorn would attend official events, including a lunch with Olympiakos president in the presidential suite.

Despite the logistical hiccup, club officials remained optimistic. Chery noted, “We’re excited to play in stadiums where the fans are passionate,” and said he feels no pressure, hoping the young players can simply enjoy the experience.

The incident serves as a reminder that NEC’s rapid ascent to Europe brings new challenges, from media obligations to tight training schedules, and that the club must adapt quickly if it hopes to make a lasting impression on the continental stage.