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Due to the Zwolse zeperd, the club from Alkmaar, which dropped to fifth place, saw Feyenoord and FC Twente (further) walk away. The numbers three and four of the Eredivisie qualify for the qualifying tournament of the Europa League or the Conference League. The numbers five to eight will compete in the play-offs after the season for a ticket for the qualification tournament of the Conference League, in which Feyenoord reached the semi-finals last week.
‘Never Never’
Jansen criticized the ‘attitude’ of his group of players a day before the home game against Heerenveen. In other words: the attitude was lacking in many of his players in Zwolle. ,,You have to want to be better than your opponent. That was not up to standard in that game.”
The 2-1 loss caused more excitement for the trainer than with other defeats, he admitted. ,,You can lose, but the way in which is always decisive for me as a coach. I did not recognize my team against Zwolle in attitude and willingness. That is something I absolutely do not tolerate and will never accept. never never.”
Long season
Could it perhaps not be the case that the long and tough season is beginning to take its revenge on some of his key players? AZ played ten European matches. ,,No absolutely not. We should never hide behind that”, answered Jansen resolutely.
Jesper Karlsson is disappointed after the loss against PEC.
Pro Shots
And: ,,That absolutely does not fit in this one. We are AZ, we have worked very hard to get back to the position that many people thought we would not be able to do. Then it has been a very important lesson for us if you are trumped against Zwolle on the basis of attitude.”
Bruno Martins India
It could mean that Jansen might send his team into the ‘meadow’ with a surprising line-up. ,,We have enough good players, but when I consider whether or not to replace players, I always take into account how the season has gone so far.”
The good news for AZ and Jansen: the missing Bruno Martins Indi against PEC is fully fit again. The trainer also saw the long-injured Jelle Duin and Yusuf Barasi return to group training. In contrast, Pantelis Hatzidiakos is a question mark for the home match against Heerenveen, in which AZ can no longer afford to make a mistake.