NEC Nijmegen coach Dick Schreuder said the match against Olympiacos would be decided by battles for the second ball, speaking at the team's regular press conference.
Schreuder said he did not like excuses and wanted to win every game with the players available to him. He said Olympiacos would again rely on long passes, averaging 25 to 35 long balls per game from the goalkeeper, and that their skill in individual duels made them dangerous in the final pass. He said NEC had neutralised that threat successfully in Athens after a difficult opening twenty minutes, adjusting their approach at halftime.
Chery on home advantage
Midfielder Tjaronn Chery said the atmosphere at NEC's home ground would lift the team, describing it as a special evening with fans behind them. He said last season showed that home matches, played in that atmosphere, could awaken something in the team.
Schreuder confirmed that Darko Negismits and Tobias Storm, both doubtful in recent days because of injury problems, would be available to play normally.
