In the next two games, it will be determined whether AZ succeeds or fails for this season. The Alkmaarders play the final of the play-offs for European football against Vitesse. AZ coach Pascal Jansen is wary of the Arnhem team, who completed a great comeback against FC Utrecht.
Vitesse suffered a 3-1 defeat in the Galgenwaard in Utrecht last Thursday. As a result, the Domstedelingen had the best papers to continue in the final, but Vitesse recovered at home by winning 3-0. “It will be a tough match,” says trainer Jansen.
Also for the matches against Vitesse, Owen Wijndal remains a doubt at AZ. The captain is struggling with a groin injury and missed the duels against sc Heerenveen. “It needs more time and attention,” says Jansen about Wijndal, who has not yet trained with the group. However, the coach is lyrical about his replacement. “I am extremely satisfied with his performance. He has positively surprised us.”
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In the last two home games (against RKC and sc Heerenveen), part of the AZ crowd turned the team. Zakaria Aboukhlal and Pantelis Hatzidiakos were fiercely whistled and the coach himself was given white handkerchiefs. “I don’t think that’s possible,” says Jansen, who is cool about the situation. “I hope they stay behind our players. The truth is always on the pitch.”
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AZ will play the final of the play-offs over two matches against Vitesse. The first meeting is tomorrow evening at 8 p.m. in the Gelredome. The return awaits in Alkmaar on Sunday at 2.30 pm. The winner over two matches secures a place in the second qualifying round of the Conference League.