Het Legioen welcomes AZ

By: Jackson | December 13th, 2008

Feyenoord faces its toughest test of the year from the surprising AZ who sit at the top of the Eredivisie. After a number of sub-par seasons Louis van Gaal has AZ running like a well-oiled machine, smooth in the attack and over-powering in defense. In their last five matches they have defeated Twente, Ajax, Groningen and Heracles Almelo, without allowing a goal and only blemish is a draw aginst Vitesse.

The hundred-year anniversary celebration is not ending as anyone around the club would like and has put the heat on manager Gertjan Verbeek. While elements of the club are stewing that they support the manager, this is about to spill over because the club is not unified and you can sense a rotting situation. With players not satisfied with the direction they are going, questioning leadership of management it is only time. Following last weeks 3-1 loss to De Graafschap at home, it won’t take much to fan the flames of discontent.

Gertjan Verbeek is aware that lead-up preparation has derailed focus:

“This is all negative energy, while we badly need our energy to win points against AZ. So the only thing the players can do on Saturday is their very best. By doing so they can generate a lot of goodwill. If that comes across clearly and we can make things difficult for AZ by showing a lot of spirit, the supporters will go home satisfied.”

Het Legioen will be pleased to see Diego Biseswar and we will need his attacking prowess to succeed. However the horrible injury which excludes Tim de Cler, Serginho Greene, Jonathan de Guzman, Jon Dahl Tomasson, Tim Vincken and Ron Vlaar, now adds Kevin Hofland to the list. Feyenoord hopes reside in AZ flourishing attack opening opportunities on the counter attack.

Gertjan Verbeek said of AZ:

“AZ employe a very attractive attacking style of play and that generates chances for us on the counter.”

Het Legioen will need to be vocal in support. Rise up, be heard. I am heading to the match and will report early tomorrow morning. I will try to leave comments via my mobile for those interested in updates.