Jesper Karlsson did not have an ideal preparation for his return to AZ. “I was out for four months and was a little sick for the past two weeks, so it wasn’t an easy return,” the Swede told ESPN.
Initially, it was not the intention that Karlsson would start. He only heard this morning that Jens Odgaard was ill and would not travel to Groningen. “Last night I had a consultation with the trainer about the match. The plan was then to participate for twenty minutes. Due to the absence of Jens, we had to switch,” the Swede revealed.
Trainer Pascal Jansen is ‘very proud’ of his team after the victory over FC Groningen and the lead. “I also gave the substitutes a big compliment, because you really added something to our team. That resulted in a great result today.”
A blemish on the evening was the goal of the Groningers. That was unnecessary according to the AZ trainer. “Then you know that the people here are going to stand behind the team again. After the break it started to storm for fifty to twenty minutes, because they want to make the connection goal. Our third goal (Milos Kerkez ed.) came at a good moment.”
Outstanding Reijnders
Not for the first time this season, Tijjani Reijnders played a key role. The midfielder gave two assists to Jansen’s satisfaction. “I wholeheartedly congratulate him. He had to wait a long time for it, of course. At the moment he shows that he is becoming a good player.”
Dani de Wit dropped out with a hamstring injury. It is still unclear whether he can play against Apollon Limassol on Thursday. That game starts at 9 p.m.