AZ cannot enjoy the 4-1 victory over FC Vaduz in the Conference League for too long. The next opponent will be waiting in two days. And not just any one. Companion Ajax comes to visit in Alkmaar. “A derby is always a very important game.”
AZ coach Jansen: “We have to bring more quality to the ball” – NH Sport
AZ coach Pascal Jansen knows that his team will have to reach a higher level against Ajax than against FC Vaduz. “Of course you talk to each other about what happened yesterday. In addition, you look at what is needed on Sunday. We know very well that Ajax is a completely different team than Vaduz,” says Jansen with a cynical smile. “We have to make sure that it doesn’t become a back-and-forth match against Ajax.”
“We are still unbeaten in the Eredivisie and of course we want to stay that way after Sunday”
“Ajax always gives away their spaces. Because they like to have the ball, they also give away spaces,” says Jansen about the chances of AZ against the reigning national champion. “We have to play those spaces well. We have to bring more quality to the ball. We have to be able to bring it to a certain level so that we can offer Ajax a party. But of course I have every confidence in that.”
AZ coach Jansen: “A lot has happened in the selection of Ajax” – NH Sport
North Holland derby
Against Ajax, AZ misses the three attackers who played in the last edition (2-2) were all in the starting line-up: Vangelis Pavlidis, Hakon Evjen and Jesper Karlsson. “Our team has continued to develop. A number of new people have been added. A lot has also happened at Ajax, so it will be a completely new measuring moment. We are still unbeaten in the Eredivisie and of course we want to stay that way after Sunday.”
The match between AZ and Ajax starts on Sunday at 16.45. The match can be followed live on the NH Sport radio broadcast.
AZ coach Jansen: “A derby against Ajax is always important”
