After four group matches, AZ is twentieth in the Conference League. This place entitles you to participate in the next round of this third European tournament. Since numbers 1 to 24 qualify for the knockout phase. The differences are small, because number 30 Ħamrun Spartans from Malta are three points behind the Alkmaarders. So the assignment is clear.
Furthermore, the pressure is increasing on trainer Maarten Martens. On social media, many fans are critical of the Belgian coach and would rather see him leave. Not that this says everything, but it does indicate the tendency of part of the supporters. This also became apparent last Sunday against Go Ahead Eagles. The 2-2 draw and the mediocre football caused a lot of whistling from the Alkmaar stands.
Kees Smit
Supporters expect more from this AZ and given the composition of the selection, that is fair. After the match against Eagles, midfielder Kees Smit was able to empathize with the fans. “I don’t think whistling necessarily helps, but I also understood that they are not satisfied.”
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