Van Ophuizen does not opt for a specific transfer, but rather for the system that Huiberts created. By, among other things, bringing Jong AZ to the second division and ultimately the first division, the flow of players to the first division has increased and there is a structural sale of our own youth. “Teun Koopmeiners, Calvin Stengs and Myron Boadu are all players who result from that policy. He has set a standard for other clubs. Everyone in the stadium knows that Kees Smit and Troy Parrott will soon leave for high amounts.”
Ideal successor?
The trio finds it difficult to name a successor, but sees head of youth training Paul Brandenburg as a suitable candidate. Van Galen: “Steps were made during his youth, he worked with Huiberts for a long time, so I don’t think it’s a crazy idea.”
“Paul is a stable factor within AZ,” Van Ophuizen adds. “I can imagine that he has been included in decisions given the current situation. I just don’t know to what extent he aspires to do so. He is someone who is fully aware of all insights within the club and has recently extended his contract.”
Wiegman calls Brandenburg ‘a very capable man’. “It has often happened that AZ puts people forward internally. I don’t know whether he is good at negotiating. The club fulfills the technical directorship in a certain way. If you bring someone in from outside, the risk is very high that things will turn out differently. Carlos Aalbers (former scout of AZ ed.) is at NEC, but I would certainly also find it an interesting option.”