AZ has hit Anderlecht in the quarterfinals of the Conference League. The team of coach Pascal Jansen gave away the two goals too easily and has therefore maneuvered itself into a difficult position. “It is unnecessary and frustrating,” says defender Sam Beukema.
Sam Beukema finds the defeat unnecessary and frustrating – NH Sport / Stephan Brandhorst
With the goals against, the defense of the Alkmaarders looked bad. The coverage was not in order, Beukema admits. “There have been some moments when I also have to be sharper. I am critical of myself and those moments have to be removed,” he refers, among other things, to a too short back pass to his goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, who just ended well.
“You can be less in shape offensively, but then it is important that you defend resolutely”
“There are a number of similarities in the goals against in the last two games,” says trainer Pascal Jansen about the way of defending. “You can be less in shape offensively, but then it is important that you defend resolutely. We don’t look good with the first goal. We can neutralize the second goal sooner. Then that boy from Anderlecht shoots him in well. are two moments that unfortunately hurt us a lot.”
The old Sam
The 24-year-old central defender has been injured for some time, but has been back in the starting line-up for a few weeks. Beukema is not quite back at his level yet. “I’m starting to feel like the old Sam more and more. There are some things that need to be removed.”
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Beukema: “I have to be sharper” – NH Sport / Stephan Brandhorst
“It would have been nicer if the damage had been limited to 1-0,” says trainer Pascal Jansen at the press conference. The trainer does see sufficient leads for the return in Alkmaar. “If we would have been outplayed here, it would be a different story. I think we played reasonably. I think the conviction towards the goal could be more.”
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AZ coach Pascal Jansen: “It is important to defend resolutely” – NH Sport
AZ must win by at least two goals next week to reach the semi-finals of the Conference League. The match in Alkmaar then starts at 6.45 pm.