Sports · Football · 10 hrs ago
NEC coach says squad depth remains a concern despite strong bench
Dusan Tadic returned to NEC and scored twice against FC Utrecht.
The result came as NEC also had several other players available from the bench, including Philippe Sandler and Jamiro Monteiro.
Coach Schreuder said the team is improving, but some substitutes still need more time to develop and the squad was assembled late.
He said NEC cannot rotate well in midfield, leaving Darko Nejasmic and Noé Lebreton to play many minutes.
Heavy workloads have also brought minor injuries for players including Clement Bischoff and Tobias Storm, while Deveron Fonville has played through physical problems.
Schreuder wants a broader, fitter bench and is unsure whether the team will keep getting better throughout the season.
NEC coach Rogier Schreuder said his squad still lacks enough depth and fitness, despite having several options on the bench against FC Utrecht.
He said some substitutes still need more time to develop, but the team cannot always give them that time.
Schreuder said NEC’s limited midfield rotation is affecting Darko Nejasmic and Noé Lebreton.
He also said heavy workloads had contributed to minor injuries for Clement Bischoff and Tobias Storm.
Dusan Tadic scored twice against Utrecht after returning to NEC.
- Who
- NEC coach Rogier Schreuder discussed his squad. Players including Dusan Tadic, Darko Nejasmic and Noé Lebreton were mentioned.
- What
- Schreuder said NEC’s bench still needs to be broader and fitter, despite having several substitutes available against FC Utrecht.
- When
- The article was published on 9 November 2026. The match date is not stated.
- Where
- NEC; the match was against FC Utrecht.
- Why
- Schreuder said some substitutes still need time to learn, while limited rotation has left some players carrying heavy workloads.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Dusan Tadic returned to NEC.
Tadic scored two goals, and Schreuder had several substitutes available on the bench.
Schreuder said the squad still needed a broader, fitter bench and that limited rotation was affecting players.
- Opponent
- FC Utrecht
- Tadic
- Scored two goals against FC Utrecht
- Midfielders
- Darko Nejasmic and Noé Lebreton were playing many minutes
- Players with minor injuries
- Clement Bischoff and Tobias Storm
- Publication date
- 9 November 2026
What people are saying
I see that not quite that way
We will see whether that will become easier and better throughout the whole season. I doubt that, honestly. We got it done very late.
On midfield, we do not have the possibility to rotate well, then it becomes difficult for Darko and Noé.
In that respect, I would like the bench to be a bit broader and fitter.