NEC coach Schreuder cuts press conference short to prioritize training before Olympiakos clash
NEC head coach Dick Schreuder shocked the media on Tuesday by abruptly ending his pre‑match press conference and heading straight to the training pitch. The decision came as the Dutch side prepared for the third qualifying round of the Champions League against Greek giants Olympiakos in Athens, where the team was allocated only a single hour of field time.
The limited training window has forced the club to maximise every minute, and Schreuder insisted the full hour, scheduled for 19:00 Greek time, be used for a focused session. When a journalist pressed for a follow‑up question, the coach replied, “Sorry, but I really have to go,” and left the room, promising to return after the drill.
After a 50‑minute training block, Schreuder re‑entered the press area accompanied by captain Tjaronn Chery, who had also been present earlier. He delivered a detailed tactical briefing for the upcoming encounter, apologising for the abrupt exit: “My apologies for the sudden exit; I wanted to make sure the players get the full training they need.”
Chery echoed the manager’s sentiment, highlighting the benefit of the extra minutes on the pitch: “We appreciate the coach’s focus on preparation. It gives us confidence ahead of the match.”
Club officials confirmed that the shortened briefing will be supplemented with an extensive debrief after the game, underscoring the delicate balance between media obligations and on‑field readiness in high‑stakes European fixtures.
The move reflects NEC’s determination to squeeze every possible advantage from a tight schedule ahead of a challenging away fixture where a single mistake could decide the outcome. Analysts note that the extra training could improve cohesion and tactical clarity, especially against a technically proficient Olympiakos side.
Supporters and pundits will now watch closely to see whether the additional session translates into a competitive edge when NEC takes on the Greek powerhouse on foreign soil.
The club’s proactive approach signals a willingness to adapt traditional media routines in pursuit of performance, a strategy that may set a precedent for other teams facing similar constraints in European competition.