Pascal Jansen reckons last year’s clashes with Celtic will stand AZ Alkmaar in good stead to see off Dundee United in the Europa Conference League.
The Dutch side narrowly lost to the Hoops in last season’s Europa League, crashing out after losing 3-2 on aggregate. Their English-born coach reckons that will be a big plus going into a sold out Tannadice against United tonight - with the winners to take on Gil Vicente or Riga.
Jansen admitted: “I was born in London, in Hendon-Red Hill, so I am very fond of British football. It’s great to be back. We played Celtic last season in a qualifier, I enjoyed that and hopefully I will enjoy my time in Dundee too. I learned a lot from the Celtic game last season, we still have some players in the squad who were part of that game.
“We learned a lot from it, it was something else - the stadium was packed, you couldn’t hear yourself speak. We enjoyed competing with one of the top teams in Scotland. The game was intense, as British football is in general so we expect more of the same tomorrow.”
AZ have been one of the main players in Holland in recent seasons. Jansen doesn’t believe the favourites task will be a burden going into this evening and he believes his side are ready, after seeing off Tuzla City in the last round.
Dutch international defender Bruno Martins Indi also has an insight into United’s danger man Steven Fletcher. They pair were team-mates at Stoke City.
Indi warned: “If you look at the United players they are all six foot one or two, so at set pieces they are dangerous. They are an experienced team, I played with Steven before so I know he is a good player.
“He is a good guy, an amazing guy who is a good finisher. He is left footed and I like left-footed strikers. Everyone knows the way British teams play so we are prepared for that. We will have to be ready for Dundee United. “
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