‘Not fair to point out him as a scapegoat’

NEC retains confidence in trainer Rogier Meijer, the Premier League club reports in a statement. “Given what Rogier has achieved here in five years, we do not think it is fair to now appoint him as a scapegoat,” said technical director Carlos Aalbers.

The club from Nijmegen is disappointingly twelfth in the Premier League and was eliminated from the KNVB Cup by Heracles Almelo this month. In December, NEC won zero times and lost 5-0 to Go Ahead Eagles and 4-1 to Willem II.

After the loss against Willem II last Sunday, Aalbers did not immediately confirm that Meijer could remain as coach. The players and coach were met after the match by angry supporters, who demanded Meijer’s resignation. However, during a thorough evaluation, the trainer retained confidence.

“We all have things to improve,” Aalbers reports. “There are too many things that we must and can do better together. You cannot clearly say that the trainer is the main culprit.”

In that respect, Aalbers also puts his hand into his own bosom. “I base my work on two pillars: performance and development. We have invested a lot in recruiting talented players. I made an error in my judgment.”

“We have many talented players, but they cannot yet deliver what is asked of them every week, namely being decisive. I thought this would be possible.”

The next match for NEC is on January 11 at PEC Zwolle.