Tomorrow evening the away game against Sparta Rotterdam awaits AZ. In the battle for third place, the Alkmaarders have to win to keep up with competitors Feyenoord and FC Twente. Trainer Pascal Jansen wants to deal with the lesser results against teams from the right row.
“Vangelis Pavlidis and Fredrik Midtsjø mentioned in the media that they were looking for the difference in focus compared to the top matches,” Jansen tells. AZ.nl about the recent loss of points against Willem II and PEC Zwolle. “I don’t know if I can agree with that. In any case, it is a fact that we have spilled points. It is important that we break that trend and that we are no longer associated with it.”
Last week, sc Heerenveen won 2-1 in the final phase. The Alkmaarders also struggled to capitalize on the opportunities in that game. Jansen: “Dominating a game on the ball is nice, but I think it’s still about dominating by creating chances and scoring goals.”
New trainer at relegation candidate
At last in Sparta Rotterdam, trainer Henk Fraser resigned this week. Maurice Steijn is therefore earlier than planned for the group. “Sparta is a team that plays for self-preservation. In addition, they have a coach who has an interest in the team staying in the Eredivisie and not being relegated to the first division. So there is plenty of reason to fight for Sparta. get a tough match”, Jansen thinks.
AZ, which is fifth, has six points less than number three Feyenoord. FC Twente is in fourth place among the top teams with three points more than the North Hollanders.
Injury De Wit is not too bad
Dani de Wit seems available tomorrow. He joined training today, after training separately from the group for the rest of the week. The attacking midfielder was out of action on Sunday with an injury. Reserve goalkeeper Hobie Verhulst has to let the match pass.
Sparta Rotterdam – AZ starts tomorrow evening at 9 p.m.