Dick Schreuder has moved to defend Dusan Tadic following the veteran midfielder's outspoken comments about life at NEC Nijmegen, insisting the Serbian playmaker remains a vital figure in the club's ongoing rebuild. Speaking ahead of Ajax's visit to the Goffert Stadium, the NEC manager addressed Tadic's recent interview with NU.nl, where the 35-year-old expressed frustration with his current situation.
In that candid interview, Tadic articulated his continued love for Ajax—the club where he spent seven successful seasons—while simultaneously voicing concerns about his role at NEC. "I regularly make preparatory actions and don't get the ball. Or I don't get it back after a few touches. Then apparently my brain works too fast," Tadic remarked, describing the mental toll of playing in a team undergoing significant transition. Such candour sparked debate about the midfielder's commitment and relationship with his teammates.
Schreuder: Context Matters in Tadic's Critique
Rather than dismissing Tadic's grievances, Schreuder acknowledged the broader context. "Yes, at the time he played for Ajax, there was of course a fantastic team there. So I can understand it a little as well," the coach explained. He emphasized that how and where Tadic framed his comments carried equal weight to what he said. Schreuder stressed that NEC are navigating a complex rebuilding phase with multiple stakeholders involved, requiring a measured approach rather than reactive judgment.
The NEC manager swiftly dismissed suggestions that dressing room tension had festered. "From what I can see from the group... They're sitting at the table together, they've laughed. Then it is pretty clear to me," Schreuder said, signalling that Tadic's standing among teammates remained intact. This assessment carries weight—in professional football, squad harmony is essential, and public complaints can easily fracture group cohesion.
Tadic Central to NEC's Transformation
Schreuder positioned Tadic as a cornerstone of NEC's ongoing transformation. Since summer 2024, the Eredivisie club has recruited extensively, blending established names with youth prospects. "With a lot of new players, a lot of youth, young talents... There are a great many things we need to do better, need to change," Schreuder acknowledged. Tadic joins defenders Sandler and Nuytinck, as well as forwards Linssen and Chery, as senior figures tasked with accelerating the club's development.
"I see Dusan as a big part of that, just like Linssen, Chery, Sandler, Nuytinck. Those boys were all brought in to help NEC grow. I see that with Dusan every day as well, and I really see nothing strange and nothing wrong," Schreuder concluded. His backing suggests that despite Tadic's public frustrations, the player remains an integral creative force in NEC's ambitious mid-table challenge this season.
