In the Abe Lenstra Stadium, anticipation is building for the commencement of a fresh, positive run of results. The pivotal moment came on October 21, 2023, when SC Heerenveen faced a 3-0 defeat in the away game against AZ. The pressure on coach Kees van Wonderen reached its zenith, and speculation about his tenure circulated. However, a remarkable surge of 15 points in the subsequent six matches propelled the Frisians into the top half, yet since then, a noticeable downturn has set in.
December brought losses to league leaders PSV, which was expected, but defeats against FC Volendam and Vitesse (in the cup) added to the tense atmosphere in and around Heerenveen during the festive season. The initial results in the new calendar year were outright disappointing, with a last-minute draw at PEC Zwolle (2-2) followed by a punishing defeat against Excelsior. The pressure has peaked for Heerenveen, holding 20 points from 18 games.
In Alkmaar, the performance of coach Pascal Jansen became a prominent topic for club management. While the results align with the budget, placing AZ fourth in the Eredivisie, a disappointing showing in the UEFA Conference League and a substantial, hopeless defeat against PSV triggered an internal evaluation. The consensus was that Jansen fell short in elevating his team, especially the youth players, to a higher level.
AZ’s narrow escape against the amateurs of HHC Hardenberg just before the turn of the year marked a turning point. A subsequent match against the amateurs of Quick Boys at their own stadium resulted in a 4-3 victory, albeit requiring a penalty shootout for success. This concluded the Jansen era at the AFAS Stadium, with Maarten Martens taking charge. His debut match ended in a 2-2 draw against PEC Zwolle, not the ideal start.
Players to watch: SC Heerenveen’s goalkeeper, Andries Noppert, is eager for a clean sheet, having last achieved it on December 1. At AZ, Ernest Poku is anxiously awaiting his chance. In his three most recent starting appearances in Jong AZ, he contributed to seven goals (D5, A2) and scored against Quick Boys in the cup.
Hot stat: AZ has secured victory in the last seven away matches in the Eredivisie against SC Heerenveen, marking the longest streak of consecutive away wins against a specific opponent in the Eredivisie.
