Midfielder admits he would have preferred Manchester United over Tottenham in Europa League draw
Jordy Clasie, captain of AZ Alkmaar, has expressed his excitement about facing Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League, even though he would have preferred a showdown with Manchester United.
His reaction came after the draw, with Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur covering his comments on Ziggo Sport. AZ Alkmaar is set to welcome Ange Postecoglou’s squad early next month before heading to North London for the decisive second leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
This matchup rekindles a recent battle between the two sides, as they already crossed paths in the group stage, with Tottenham securing a narrow 1-0 victory.
Adding to the intrigue, Troy Parrott, who made a permanent switch to AZ Alkmaar for €4 million during the summer transfer window, will get the opportunity to face his former club once again.
The striker has been thriving in the Netherlands, making his presence felt in the Eredivisie, and his reunion with Spurs will bring an extra layer of excitement to the fixture.
Both teams enter the Round of 16 with aspirations of progressing deep into the tournament, knowing that winning the Europa League could provide a backdoor entry into next season’s Champions League.
With both clubs unlikely to secure a top-four finish in their respective domestic leagues, this competition represents a crucial opportunity. While Tottenham remains the favorite on paper, AZ Alkmaar has already shown resilience throughout the tournament and will be eager to cause an upset.
Despite his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead, Clasie admitted that if given a choice, he would have preferred Manchester United as AZ’s opponent. When asked about his preference, he acknowledged that facing the Red Devils would have been slightly more appealing.
However, he remains excited about the upcoming clashes with Tottenham, recognizing the stature of the Premier League side and the electric atmosphere awaiting them in London.
He highlighted the grandeur of Tottenham’s stadium, with its capacity of sixty thousand fans, and acknowledged that while Spurs are a formidable opponent, AZ Alkmaar has a fighting chance if they play at their best.
Clasie also reflected on the previous meeting between the two sides, noting that his team was not at its peak during that encounter. Despite that, he remains optimistic, emphasizing that opportunities exist against every club, even those with a big reputation.
He believes that with the right approach and determination, AZ Alkmaar can make life difficult for their English opponents and potentially spring a surprise.
The two-legged tie promises to be an intense battle, with both teams eager to prove their worth on the European stage. For Tottenham, securing a strong result in the away leg will be crucial before returning to their fortress in North London. Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar will look to make the most of their home advantage and put Spurs under pressure early in the tie.
Parrott’s involvement adds another compelling storyline, as the young forward aims to showcase his growth since leaving Tottenham. Having struggled for regular opportunities in England, he has found his rhythm in the Netherlands, and a standout performance against his former club would be a statement moment in his career.
As the anticipation builds, fans from both sides will be eager to witness how this intriguing battle unfolds. Tottenham will rely on their experience and quality, but AZ Alkmaar has proven time and again that they should not be underestimated.
With a place in the Europa League quarter-finals at stake, both teams will leave nothing to chance in what promises to be a thrilling contest.