With Stekelenburg, AZ adds an experienced force to the technical staff. In the past he worked for the youth academy of Ajax and Ajax Cape Town and was the national coach of Orange Under-17 and Oranje Under-19. He was also assistant coach in the first period of Ronald Koeman and at the European Championship under national coach Frank de Boer.
“I know AZ as a great club that focuses on development,” says Stekelenburg in a response to the AZ website. “That fits well with me, so I’m glad I can join that family.” Stekelenburg was already part of the staff during the training camp in Ede. “I know people within the staff and players with whom I have previously worked, so I didn’t need much time to adjust myself.”
Max Huiberts, director of football affairs of AZ, is happy with the arrival of Stekelenburg. “With his experience, Maarten brings a very interesting profile to the Dutch national team at both the highest level. He knows on the one hand what it is like to develop young players to the maximum, but also knows what it means to have to perform at the highest level. That background can be used in his role at AZ.”
The Technical Staff of AZ now consists of head coach Maarten Martens, Jan Sierksma (assistant), Robert Franssen (assistant), Kenneth Goudmijn (assistant), Nick van Aart (goalkeeper coach) and Maarten Stekelenburg (Assistant and Transition Coach).