AZ trainer Arne Slot is hopeful that his selection will remain largely intact this summer. He thinks that star players such as Calvin Stengs, Myron Boadu and Teun Koopmeiners will not simply exchange the Alkmaarders for another club.
“I think it is realistic to think we can keep them. But every club takes into account that sometimes a player can leave and we are no exception,” said Slot Monday against AZ TV.
Stengs, Boadu and Koopmeiners experienced their big breakthrough in the last season, which was ended prematurely due to the corona crisis, in which AZ finished second behind Ajax, but there is currently no concrete interest in the trio.
“Contrary to what I sometimes read, I often hear from these guys that they are very happy with us and think that we have a strong team that can perform well next season. For example, the preliminary rounds of the Champions League are also a new challenge for them, “said Slot.
AZ looking for a replacement for Wuytens
AZ has so far only lost Stijn Wuytens. The Belgian left for the Belgian Lommel SK. The Noord-Hollanders are looking for a replacement, but Slot does not exclude that he will absorb the loss of Wuytens with the current group of players.
“We are trying to find a replacement, but we also showed last season that we can handle it well with the current selection. If we get a reinforcement, it must really be a reinforcement, because we are very satisfied with the boys we have now. “
AZ will play against an as yet unknown opponent in the second heat of the Champions League on August 25 or 26. The second and third qualifying rounds are this time about one game, but the playoffs are just about two games.
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