Mendilibar admits ‘Dit’ was unexpected after NEC test

After a 0-0 draw in the Champions League third‑qualifying round, Olympiakos head coach José Luis Mendilibar admitted that ‘Dit’ – the performance of Dutch side NEC Nijmegen – was something he had not expected, praising their aggression and dynamism despite his own side’s struggles.

Mendilibar, the 65‑year‑old Spanjaard manager, said his Olympiakos side was outperformed by the Nijmegenaren on several fronts. He noted that NEC’s organization and intensity left his team trailing throughout the encounter.

‘Dit hadden we niet verwacht,’ he began after the match, adding that the game was difficult with many duels. He claimed Olympiakos lost almost every duel and struggled to create clear chances.

Volgens Mendilibar, his side missed numerous opportunities and needed to be more aggressive and stronger in duels. He also criticised the referee, saying the arbiter allowed too much to go on and that his team should have dealt smarter with officiating.

He praised the Nijmegen side for being harder and more dynamic, highlighting their superior physicality. Mendilibar admitted the Dutch side’s dynamism made it challenging for Olympiakos to impose its own game plan.

He expressed uncertainty about the return leg in Nijmegen, stating he does not know if the situation will be the same. Mendilibar stressed that many aspects must improve and that Olympiakos must play a much more dynamic style.

Despite the lackluster performance, he considered the 0‑0 draw not a bad result. He concluded that the road to the play‑offs remains fully open for his team.