NEC starts preparation with fresh energy and Champions League ambition

NEC kicked off on Wednesday with the first training of the new season. Despite the predicted tropical temperatures, many supporters stood along the line to see the selection, which included familiar names as well as newcomers. Due to the heat, the training was brought forward to the morning. Yet there was no question of a quiet start; trainer Dick Schreuder and his technical staff immediately demanded full commitment in an intensive and short session.

It was immediately clear to debutants Kaj Sierhuis and Tobias Storm: NEC has high expectations this year. Sierhuis, who recently appeared as an analyst at the World Cup in the NOS morning program together with Ricky van Wolfswinkel, had to switch to the football field after his media debut. The attacker spoke with enthusiasm about his short foray as an analyst: "I really enjoyed it and maybe I will continue to do it occasionally, for example for VI PRO," he said with a smile. He particularly emphasized the pleasure in analyzing different football cultures and tactics – an experience he brought with him from following World Cup matches, even if he had to do so at night due to time zones.

Now everything is all about NEC and the upcoming season, in which a special challenge awaits the club by participating in the preliminary rounds of the Champions League. Sierhuis is looking forward to proving himself on the field and putting his analytical view of the game into practice with the Nijmegen team.