Linssen stays ambitious after NEC’s early Champions League exit

35-year-old striker Bryan Linssen said he was disappointed but remained undiminished in ambition after NEC’s elimination from the Champions League qualifying round at the hands of FK Bodø/Glimt in Norway, noting the early red card for goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz and the team's inability to create chances.

Early setbacks sealed the defeat

The 35-year-old forward observed that NEC players (Nijmegenaren) could not muster any threat after the swift dismissal of goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz. Within minutes, the NEC-doelman was also sent off in Norway (Noorwegen) for a handball.

Linssen told , “Ja, dan is het wel klaar denk ik. Je komt hier met alle goede bedoelingen naartoe. We hadden ook een hele aanvallende tactiek bedacht. We hadden echt goede hoop dat er iets kon gaan gebeuren, maar dat is dan in minuut drie eigenlijk wel voorbij.” He added that the side had planned to use Tadic on the left and Bischoff on the right.

He explained that the game plan relied on flooding the opposition with crosses, hoping to score with headers or unleash shots from the second line, while pressing high to force the opponent back. According to Linssen, the strategy collapsed within three minutes.

NEC misses Champions League bonus but eyes Europa League points

NEC attempted to cause further damage later in the match but managed only limited chances. Playing ten against eleven for ninety minutes, the opposition proved too strong, with Linssen noting they could “reasonably football”.

Linssen's view on the project

Despite the exit, Linssen said NEC should be proud of reaching the Champions League play‑offs. He lamented that the draw placed the first leg away, preferring a home first leg to force a result.

He concluded that the project at NEC is only in its first year, while their rivals are about seven years ahead. Linssen emphasized the ambition to close that gap.