AZ 5-5 FC Utrecht: AZ and FC Utrecht delivered by far the most spectacular match of this Eredivisie season so far: ten goals were evenly distributed in Alkmaar. A feast for the neutral viewer, a crime for trainers. AZ coach Pascal Jansen really hated it, his Utrecht colleague Michael Silberbauer had more of an eye for the positive.
Silberbauer was the first to speak on ESPN. “We want to play football. Then give me 5-5, although five goals against are a bit much. I am proud of the boys for their courage. We wanted to make it difficult for them because when you let them play they are really, really good. They are not in the title race for nothing” said the Danish trainer, who was also pleased with the choices in his team. He added, “But other teams have that too, they also have good players on the bench.”
AZ coach Pascal Jansen was critical of side’s poor defensive display
Then Jansen was also asked if he preferred this to a bloodless, goalless draw. “We are both enthusiasts, so I can follow him in that respect, but we will also not be satisfied with what our teams have shown, I think,” said the AZ coach, who saw his team fail to at least become a leader overnight.
“I am shocked. We didn’t see that coming at all for the first half hour. After that we showed resilience by getting a little closer to our level. It was pleasant for the neutral viewer, but less so for us. We expected their way of playing, they have really changed since the winter break,” Jansen continued.
Jansen looked critically at AZ’s performance. He said. “Defensively, we really failed as a team. Offensively we did things well, but if you look at how many attempts on goal they can undertake, that is unworthy of AZ. They are right to be critical of themselves. Pavi was happy to score three goals, but he’s happier when he doesn’t score and we win. This competition provides the necessary lessons.” Following the result, the hosts are in 2nd place, their opponents are in 7th.
