This week we welcome Dutch side AZ Alkmaar to South London in our third Conference League fixture of six, as Oliver Glasner’s side will be looking to make amends after the home defeat to AEK Larnaca last time out.
Ahead of the game, we had a chat with Marius Wiegman from the popular AZ Fan Page to get the low down on the side from the Netherlands, what we can expect, thoughts on the match up, and much more besides.
TEB – Overall, how would you rate last season for AZ Alkmaar?
MW – We started the season a bit shaky, with a couple of disappointing results, but we managed to find our way back up with five victories in a row.
TEB – How was the summer transfer window for the club?
MW – I think we did pretty well over the summer. We lost three wingers, but with the incoming transfers of Jensen and Patati we hardly lost any quality. With Bruno Martins Indi we also lost our captain, but he lost his place in the starting lineup to Goes en Penetra, and then I almost forgot Kees Smit. He was training with the squad last year, and also got some minutes, but now he is in the starting line-up and our most promising player. In my opinion our squad is more in balance than last year.
TEB – It’s been a decent start to this campaign, currently sitting third in the Eredivisie. What are your thoughts so far?
MW – It’s a pity we lost our first Conference League match against AEK Larnaca because of an early red card. Otherwise, we could’ve had an even better start. On the other hand I’m satisfied with third in the league, especially because we are developing in the way we are playing.
TEB – Former player and assistant manager Maarten Martens has been in charge for almost two years. What are your thoughts on the boss and is he the man to take the club forward?
MW – He has been at the club before those two years, working in the academy and with our second team. Because of that he knows all the talented players that are now in the first team. I think that that’s a big advantage. After a shaky start to the season, he is doing well, we can see the progress the team is making.
TEB – Is there an AZ player Palace should be wary of for the match at Selhurst Park?
MW – Troy Parrott and Kees Smit. Parrott is our top scorer and you probably know him from his time in England. He played for Tottenham, and on loan for some teams in the lower divisions. He has improved a lot since he came here and is on fire this season. Kees Smit the highest prospect of the club. He is so talented and is showing it more and more on the pitch.
TEB – What are your thoughts on Palace and how do you feel we will fare this campaign?
MW – Palace is by far our toughest opponent in the league phase. But for us it’s a little difficult to predict if Palace’s main focus will be on the Premier League or the Conference League. Especially in the Europa League and Conference League you see the English teams don’t always play with the strongest line-up. Under normal circumstances I think Palace is one of the favourites to win the Conference League, along with Fiorentina and ourselves.
TEB – Ambitions for the season including cup competitions and Europe?
MW – I think we should go for the win in the Conference League and the domestic cup. In the league, PSV and Feyenoord are a little better, especially when you look at the depth of their squads. Third in the league would be a reasonable goal.
TEB – If you could sign one current Palace player, who would it be and why?
MW – Marc Guehi, he such a good defender. We have a pretty good defensive duo at the back, but Guehi brings a lot of power and strength with him, along with his leadership.
TEB – What is the away following like for AZ Alkmaar? Is there any excitement over visiting South London for the first time?
MW – For sure, we sold out all the tickets pretty fast. We’ve been to London last year when we played Tottenham, but it’s always great to go back to England. The atmosphere is just different over there.
TEB – Expectations for the match including final score prediction?
MW – It’s going to be a really tough game for us. I’ve seen that AEK Larnaca won in London a few weeks ago, so that gives us hope. I would be satisfied with a draw, so let’s keep it at 2-2.
