NEC reach third qualifying round of Champions League: 'This is historic for Nijmegen'
NEC Nijmegen have secured their place in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, sparking huge celebrations across the city. General director Wilco van Schaik has called it a historic moment, while head coach Dick Schreuder is above all proud of the way his squad held their nerve throughout the entire season.
Van Schaik overwhelmed: 'Nijmegen won't sleep'
The joy at NEC Nijmegen is immense after the club sealed their ticket to the third qualifying round of the Champions League. General director Wilco van Schaik could barely contain his delight. 'This is historic. This is unbelievable for this city. Nijmegen won't be sleeping for the next few days,' said a beaming Van Schaik. The fact that NEC must come through the qualifying rounds does nothing to dampen his ambitions. As far as Van Schaik is concerned, the group stage of the billion-euro tournament is far from out of reach. 'This season we performed well against strong opposition, including two wins over league champions PSV, so I'm ruling nothing out,' he said.
Schreuder praises mentality and style of play
Head coach Dick Schreuder looks back with particular pride on the journey his squad has made. It is not so much the achievement of European football itself, but the manner in which the group went about it that has left the greatest impression on him. Even during difficult spells, the team remained true to their own identity and style of play. 'Before half-time today was probably NEC's best half of the season. I told the players that as well,' said Schreuder. 'To produce that in match 34 is something special. Especially given all the pressure that built up over the past week.' For Schreuder, that says everything about the character of his group. 'That was a real reflection of how we have gone through this process together. Winning a prize was not even the most important thing for me — what mattered most was the way we approached every single day together this season.'
Captain Chery savours the moment but keeps a cool head
Captain Tjaronn Chery was visibly overjoyed, though he attempted to keep expectations in check. More than three quarters of an hour after the final whistle, he appeared in front of the cameras with a hoarse voice — the celebrations had already taken their toll. 'We're going to enjoy this. We'll start preparing for what next season has in store, but we're already delighted to be heading into Europe,' said the captain, who for now is not yet ready to dream out loud about potential opponents.
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Source: Via NOS (GNews)
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