AZ has reached European football, but was it a successful season? Will Erik ten Hag transfer Ajax to his successor in good condition? It all comes across in the retrospect of the NH Sports Forum on the month of May.
Season of AZ failed?
Through a 6-1 victory over Vitesse AZ managed to secure European football for next season. Season passed you would say. Most reporters agreed, but there is also a lot of criticism of AZ. “Making European football has been the salvation,” says reporter Stephan Brandhorst. “I just give AZ’s season a five and a half.”
According to colleague Thomas Brood, AZ has done well under the circumstances. “What do you want if half your selection is empty? The season has not failed, but it has not been successful either. They say every year that they want to attack the traditional top three and that has failed again,” said Brood.
“Making European football has been the rescue of AZ”
Reporter Frank van der Meijden certainly did not think the season of the Alkmaarders was a failure and also wanted to highlight the bright spots. “Earlier this year we all criticized Pavlidis, but the Greek striker has shown that he is a real reinforcement for AZ. They are going to have a lot of fun with him,” says Van der Meijden.
Acquisitions
Presenter Stef Swagers gives the season of the Alkmaarders a six. “Next season players will have to be recruited,” says Swagers. “Zian Flemming of Fortuna Sittard could be an asset.” According to Brandhorst, Perr Schuurs would also suit AZ. “Schuurs would be a good replacement for the departing Hatzidiakos† I also see Terence Kongolo playing there next year.”
Ten Hag leaves Ajax well behind
After discussing the AZ season, it is the turn of the provincial colleague from Amsterdam. The question is whether Erik ten Hag will leave the club well behind for successor Alfred Schreuder? “Ajax doesn’t have to start building again with Schreuder. It’s going really well, isn’t it?” says Swagers.
According to sports chief Edward Dekker, a few things absolutely have to happen at Ajax. “Goalkeeper Pasveer can join the veteran team. Daley Blind is the best. Kudus and Daramy have not turned out well either. Mazraoui is going to Bayern Munich. Then there are big holes in the team.”
“Pasveer can join the veteran team”
Brandhorst agrees. “I think they have to start building again. I think Ajax will no longer be the title favorite next year. A lot will change in Amsterdam while they can continue to build quietly at PSV,” says Brandhorst.
FC Volendam in the Eredivisie
After AZ and Ajax, the third North Holland premier divisionist will be discussed as of next season: FC Volendam. According to Dekker, it is still very quiet when it comes to potential reinforcements for Wim Jonk’s team. “As a newcomer to the Eredivisie, you have to be right there. If you don’t score points in the first eight games, you will no longer catch up. That is why the selection must be in order right away on day one,” Dekker believes.
“With clubs like Fortuna, Cambuur, Sparta and Go Ahead, I give Volendam a good chance to stay in it
Brandhorst agrees with Dekker: “As a trainer you want to know which players you have at your disposal. Then you can build a team and sharpen your vision. I understand that you want and have to act quickly.”
According to Brood, the next season for FC Volendam already looks good given the competition. “Serious clubs have been relegated. With clubs such as Fortuna Sittard, Cambuur, Sparta and Go Ahead, I give Volendam a good chance to stay in it next year,” said Brood.
Telstar in good hands?
Finally, the situation is also discussed at Telstar. The first division team from Velsen-Zuid saw Andries Jonker say goodbye and the question now is how big the gap is that the trainer leaves behind. “From day one, Telstar’s selection has been unbalanced and few experienced forces were involved. It was a dramatic season.”
Van der Meijden especially feels sorry for Telstar. “They have had so many personnel problems. Together with Helmond Sport, it is the club that has suffered the most from corona and look where those two teams have ended. At the bottom of the right row.”
“Telstar has to hope for a lender. Otherwise it will just keep muddling on.”
“I have little faith in Telstar for the next season,” Brood continues. “It will be the same as in recent years. Of course they will find a trainer again. If you have to play professional football with such a small pouch, you will not get further than at the bottom of the right row.”
“I think Telstar is equivalent to Katwijk, the champion of the second division”, Swagers adds. “Telstar has to hope for a lender. Otherwise it will just keep muddling on.”
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