Van Schaik stated that he was invited by a friend who had already booked a trip to Greece in March or April. He deliberately chose these dates, between NEC's matches against Willem II and Excelsior, to spend four days with his friend. This is not the first time Van Schaik has declined an invitation from his friend, as he also turned down a trip to Africa three years ago when NEC was in a difficult situation. At that time, NEC was not in a position to compete in the Champions League qualification round, unlike now, when they are in the final. Van Schaik will watch the match against Bodø/Glimt in the Goffert, but will not be present at the return match in Norway on 23 August.