At ESPN, Martens explained why Clasie is again not there. Last Sunday he was simply in the base in the 4-1 competition match with FC Groningen. “In the initial phase of the season, we focus on one match a week for the time being, so that he can continue to work on his overall fitness and hopefully more later can play,” the trainer said.
“It is a conscious choice. He has been out for a while at the end of the previous season, but has participated in the preparation. We have built up to ninety minutes. We don’t want to go over it yet.”
AZ is approaching Play-Offs Conference League thanks to Troy Parrott and World goal Mexx Meerdink
Goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro has returned to the selection after he had sustained an injury just before the European Championships under 21. “No, he doesn’t turn,” said Martens. “He already participated in Young AZ on Monday.” Just like last week against Vaduz and on Sunday against FC Groningen, Jeroen Zoet therefore defends the Alkmaar’s goal.
AZ flew to southern Germany and continues the trip to Liechtenstein by bus.