AZ coach Pascal Jansen expects a tough battle against Dundee United for a place in the Conference League play-offs. The team from Alkmaar will start the third preliminary round on Thursday with an away game against the Scots.
“Dundee did well last season to qualify for this competition. It is a physical team,” Jansen said before the game on Wednesday. “It is important that we play our own game. We have come up with a plan for tomorrow and we are ready. I expect a difficult battle.”
The team from Alkmaar eliminated FK Tuzla City from Bosnia and Herzegovina in the second preliminary round of the Conference League. The first leg ended in a 1-0 victory and AZ was also too strong in the return, 0-4.
Last year, the Alkmaarders stranded in the play-offs of the Europa League. Then they lost 2-0 to Celtic. In the return, a 2-1 win was not enough to advance to the main tournament.
“That was something completely different. A different experience. A club with a great history, both nationally and internationally”, Jansen replied when asked about the comparison between Celtic and Dundee. “Playing in a stadium where you can’t even understand yourself is very special.”
AZ at a training session in Scotland before the game against Dundee.
AZ at a training session in Scotland before the game against Dundee. Photo: Getty Images
Bruno and I spend a lot of time together
AZ have not conceded a goal in the last four games. Sam Beukema and captain Bruno Martins Indi form the central defense duo. “I am also very good off the field with Bruno,” said Beukema. “He is an experienced player. We spend a lot of time together in training and outside training.”
The club from Alkmaar recently strengthened itself with Riechedly Bazoer. The defender came over from Vitesse on a free transfer. Trainer Jansen just cannot use him yet, because Bazoer is ill.
Dundee United and AZ kick off on Thursday at 9 p.m. in Tannadice Park. The return in Alkmaar is on August 11. If AZ settles with Dundee United, it will play in the play-offs against the Latvian Riga FC against the Portuguese Gil Vicente.