According to Voetbal International, NEC have had a tough few weeks, with a heavy defeat to Juventus and a draw against Go Ahead Eagles. The team's attacking play has been affected by the constant transfer activity and the physical demands of the double programme. NEC's players have been feeling the strain, with striker Bryan Linssen stating that they "have taken a few knocks" and that the game against Cambuur "shouldn't have happened". The team's performance against Juventus was particularly disappointing, with Linssen feeling that they "gave the goals away" and that the manner of the defeat "didn't feel right". Despite this, Linssen believes that the team has shown resilience in recent matches, and that they have done well to bounce back from their setbacks.