Without the internationals, but with the popular Owen Wijndal and acquisitions Mees de Wit and Mayckel Lahdo was AZ on the training field for the first time. The selection only enjoyed a short three-week summer break due to the play-offs and the European preliminary round. “Everyone is now going like the fire brigade again,” says trainer Pascal Jansen.
Despite the fact that the selection has not yet received such a quality boost, AZ is keeping the same goal in mind as last year. “Top four”, says Jansen resolutely, who does not want to speak of a bridging year. Last season, AZ finished fifth in the Eredivisie and the team still managed to secure European football in the play-offs. “It was a satisfying season. That has to do with the play-offs won.”
Behind the scenes
On the first training session it was also noticeable that Jordy Clasie was still missing. The midfielder had to decline the invitation of the Orange squad because of a kick in the match against Vitesse in the play-offs. “He has been treated for that, but is not ready for maximum load.”
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A number of players also returned from their loan period. Ferdy Druijf (KV Mechelen), Kenzo Goudmijn (Sparta and later Excelsior) and Joris Kramer (Go Ahead Eagles) should be back on the field. “A lot is happening behind the scenes,” says Jansen about the three who were missing. Kramer was on the training field for a while, but is also working on a transfer.
Mo Taabouni also seems to be looking forward to a new club, because he was also not on the training field. Timo Letschert has now ended up in a hopeless situation, because the defender does not train with the first and Jong AZ.
Preparation
In two weeks, AZ will leave for Epe for a training camp (from 4 to 9 July). There are practice matches with PAOK Saloniki and Olympiakos Pireaus on the program. Then in exactly one month (July 21) the first meeting in the Conference League against Tre Penne from San Marino or Tuzla City from Bosnia-Herzegovina.