A Risky Move by NEC
Philippe Sandler's inclusion in the starting lineup has raised eyebrows, especially considering his injury history. Trainer Dick Schreuder has acknowledged that the team is taking a risk by fielding the defender, who has struggled with playing twice a week. "We know that he has trouble playing twice a week," Schreuder said in an interview. "We'd rather not do it, but today we're going to try it out. We'll see how long he can keep it up. We'll keep an eye on it and know how to make the substitution if needed."
Tadic's Inclusion
The choice to start Dusan Tadic upfront has been attributed to the absence of midfielder Jamiro Monteiro. Monteiro was a key player for NEC, but he has been struggling with the demands of playing twice a week. Schreuder has stated that Tadic's inclusion is a temporary measure until Monteiro is fully fit again. "Sano left last week, and Jamiro played well," Schreuder explained. "He's just joined the team, but he had to play again over the weekend. That's a lot, so we're going to take it easy on him this week. Noé Lebreton will take his place, which leaves a gap for Tadic."
Olympiakos' Changes
Olympiakos has made significant changes to their starting lineup, which has raised concerns for NEC. Schreuder has warned that the Greek team may try to exploit NEC's weaknesses, but he remains confident in his team's abilities. "Maybe Olympiakos wants to build up their game," Schreuder said. "They've seen us play against Telstar, but everyone knows that Ronald Koeman Jr. is the best goalkeeper in the Netherlands. We had trouble with him, but I don't think Olympiakos will change much."
A Tough Test Ahead
NEC faces a tough test against Olympiakos, and the team will need to be at their best to secure a positive result. The inclusion of Sandler and Tadic has added an extra layer of complexity to the team's strategy, but Schreuder remains optimistic about their chances. With a strong team effort, NEC can overcome the challenges ahead and secure a vital win in the Champions League.
NEC's Champions League Hopes
NEC's participation in the Champions League is a significant achievement, and the team is eager to make the most of their opportunity. A win against Olympiakos would be a major boost for the team, and it would put them in a strong position to progress to the next round. However, the team will need to be focused and determined to overcome the challenges ahead.
Conclusion
NEC's decision to include Philippe Sandler in their starting lineup has raised eyebrows, but the team remains confident in their abilities. With a strong team effort and a bit of luck, NEC can overcome the challenges ahead and secure a vital win in the Champions League. The team's participation in the competition is a significant achievement, and they are eager to make the most of their opportunity.