NEC coach admits Juventus is a much better team than his side | OneFootball

NEC attempted to maintain their attacking and brave style of play against Juventus, and they deserve credit for sticking to their approach despite the challenge. However, the Bianconeri proved too strong for them during the match in Turin.

Juventus secured a 5-0 victory last night, producing one of their most impressive performances in a long time. NEC struggled to contain a Juventus side that took advantage of the opportunities presented to them.

Before the game, much had been said about NEC’s standards and style of play. They had been struggling, but it was still clear that they were a team capable of causing problems for their opponents.

NEC unable to trouble Juventus

Leaving Italy without scoring a goal highlighted the difference in quality between the two teams. Juventus were able to control the match and punish NEC when opportunities appeared, while the visitors struggled to create enough danger in the final third.

NEC manager Dick Schreuder acknowledged that Juventus are currently operating at a higher level than his team. Speaking via Tuttomercatoweb, he said:

“We haven’t conceded because we’re holding a high defense. Today we conceded a goal that I could have headed in… We’re not at Juventus’ level, but we have time.”

Schreuder’s comments underline the challenge NEC faced in Turin, while also showing his belief that his team still has time to improve. Their commitment to an attacking approach remained evident, even though Juventus ultimately exposed the difference between the sides.

(Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Juventus must carry form into Serie A

For Juventus, the challenge now is to maintain this standard when they return to league action. The performance against NEC provided an encouraging display, but Serie A opponents are unlikely to offer the same amount of space that the Dutch side gave the Bianconeri.

Juventus took full advantage of the openings available to them in Turin, helping them produce a convincing result. However, their next league matches could present a different tactical challenge.

The Bianconeri will therefore need to reproduce their intensity and quality in Serie A while finding ways to break down teams that defend with less space between the lines. The victory against NEC gives them momentum, but maintaining that level will be important.