Schreuder sees Bodø/Glimt as a CL benchmark for NEC

Het promises a spectacular Wednesday evening in Nijmegen as NEC prepares for a Champions League (CL) play‑off clash against Noorse Bodø/Glimt on Wednesday night, with trainer Dick Schreuder confident ahead of the duel for both clubs and aware of the high stakes.

Norwegian pedigree in the CL

Last season Bodø/Glimt reached the round of 16 in the CL, a stage they called the “miljoenbal”. The Noren won the first leg 3‑0 against Sporting CP, but were overturned 5‑0 in the return match.

Schreuder notes that the playing style of the Noren bears some resemblance to the NEC‑spel, adding, “You see a team that can adapt in detail to how an opponent presses and builds up. They often have answers. It is, in that respect, a machine.”

He also expressed great respect for colleague‑trainer Knetil Knutsen, saying, “What I like about this team is that they could do what they wanted against the big clubs in the way they had agreed beforehand. We saw that last year in the Champions League.”

Knutsen returned the compliments, describing NEC as “an aggressive, offensive opponent and a fun team to watch. I am impressed by the culture they have built here. The energy with which they play is fascinating.”

De gap remains evident, however, as Schreuder warned that NEC is not yet at Bodø’s level. “In the longer term they may be an example, but we are not there. Bod has already played several European seasons, we are still at the beginning. Hopefully we qualify for European football this season, then we can take steps and get used to the level and the double programme,” he said.