The 49-year-old was pleased with his side’s 1-1 draw against Metalist Kharkiv that sealed their progression to the next round of UEFA Europa League.
In the final round of UEFA Europa League group stages, AZ Alkmaar managed to record a 1-1 stalemate against Metalist Kharkiv at AFAS Stadion on Thursday, December 15. Gertjan Verbeek, the AZ boss, expressed happiness following his side’s progression to the
next phase of the competition.
The Alkmaar outfit finished second in the Group G ahead of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Austria-c2844 Vienna, who defeated Malmo FF to level AZ with points, but were left four goals behind the Eredivisie outfit to finish third in the Group.
AZ started the match brightly at home and put immense pressure on the visitors early on. However, they failed to break the deadlock and the outfit from Kharkiv started to find their rhythm.
In the 36th minute, the visitors went ahead following an impressive finish from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Marko-Devic-c24168. However, their joy was short-lived as the Alkmaar outfit levelled the score-line in the next minute through Adam Maher.
The home side dominated proceedings in the opening half despite both sides level on terms at the half-time break. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roy-Beerens-c31808 and Rasmus Elm’s efforts being
saved by the the Kharkiv outfit goalkeeper, Alexander Goryainov.
Verbeek admitted after the match that his side lacks the class to reach the finals, but revealed that they will do their best to go farthest in the competition.
“We really will not progress through to the Europa League final. There are so many great teams in the last 32 round. However, we will put all our efforts to reach the farthest. We cannot enjoy much longer the European voyage, but let’s hope for a favourable
draw”, Verbeek was quoted as saying to the media.
The Dutch mentor then went on to express his contentment on his side’s performances thus far this season.
“I am happy with our performances and I’m proud of my team. We remained unbeaten despite such fuss in the group stage. It is worth a compliment”, Verbeek said while talking to the media.
With Verbeek already expecting his side’s early departure from the Europe’s secondary club competition, it seems like he is only focusing on Eredivisie this season.
Tags: