AZ is back on the ground after the defeat against Apollon Limassol. Trainer Pascal Jansen was shocked how his team showed up in Cyprus. It fits in with the image that AZ is having more trouble in Europe. “It is striking that we win fewer second balls,” says Jansen.
Pascal Jansen sees a different AZ in Europe than in the Eredivisie – NH Sport / Stephan Brandhorst
At AZ, the 24-hour rule always applies after matches. After a win, players are allowed to be euphoric for a day and after a defeat, they can mourn for a maximum of one day. Then the focus is on the next match. “Mentally we don’t get confused easily. We are very stable, imperturbable I would almost say.”
“We are very stable, imperturbable I would almost say”
The defeat of AZ can be seen as a loss without consequences. The Alkmaarders are still leading in the Conference League and also in the Eredivisie. “It’s always annoying to lose.”
Text continues below the video.
“Mentally we don’t get confused easily” – NH Sport / Stephan Brandhorst
Feyenoord
AZ’s upcoming opponent in the Eredivisie also played in the Conference League last night. Feyenoord drew 2-2 against Midtjylland. There is little difference between the two teams in the rankings. AZ is in the lead and has three points more than the Rotterdam team who are in fourth place.
“They have a great team and a strong selection,” says Jansen, who expects an open game. “They have many new faces and that takes time,” the coach continues about Feyenoord, which saw many players leave. Yet the hand of former AZ trainer Arne Slot remains visible. The two worked together at AZ in the past.
Text continues below the video.
Jansen: “Feyenoord has a great team and a strong selection” – NH Sport / Stephan Brandhorst
The top match between AZ and Feyenoord starts on Sunday at 4.45 pm in Alkmaar. The match can be followed live during the radio broadcast of NH Sport.
Don’t want to miss anything from NH Sport?
- Watch NH Sport on TV every Monday at 5.10 pm
- Watch football talk show De Kick-off every Friday at 5.10 pm
- Listen to NH Sport on NH Radio on Friday from 19-22 pm and Sunday from 17-19 pm
- Like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter