“AZ 1981 had panache and courage”

At Ronald Spelbos’ home, the phone keeps ringing. “Another tv producer who wants to cover AZ’s title festivities.” The former center back of AZ (and Ajax and Oranje) is asked to comment on this AZ versus “his” AZ that won the title last in 1981.

That he’s asked to analyze both teams is obvious. For eight seasons, he wore AZ’s colors before he moved to Club Brugge with coach Georg Kessler. Spelbos would move to Ajax later and develop into one of Holland’s most respected center backs. Today, he’s scout for Van Marwijk’s Oranje.

Statement 1: The 1981 AZ was a joy to behold

Spelbos: ,,In possession, we were very dominant. We always played on the side of the opponent. That’s the biggest difference with today’s AZ. It took a lot of concentration, because any mistake could have been lethal. And you need to so 34 games in a row, 90 minutes per game. I totally understand how Louis changed AZ’s gameplay through the years. I do think the criticism that AZ waits for opponents to make mistakes is overblown. They still play exciting football.”

“We did have players for whom people bought a ticket. Jan Peters in midfield was tremendous. A brilliant player. And allround too. He could do it all. He was tough, strong, had a good challenge and a very good pass. He wasn’t too fast though. If he would have been, he would be one of the best in the world. He was always criticized for playing to risk-free. Playing the ball wide. It annoyed me. But our whole midfield was tremendous. Jonker and Arntz played the wings, in our 4-4-2 and they were like Dirk Kuyt. Great passers but also working for two players. Kirsten Nygaard played close to the striker. A very offensive player, with an excellent through pass. Everything he did was threatening.”

Statement 2: Kees Kist was AZ’s goalscorer in 1981. This AZ has more players able to score.

“That’s what I like about this team. AZ will always score. I can’t remember one game in which they didn’t create anything. And the players can play in different positions and systems too. El Hamdaoui can play centrally or as a shadow striker, but he can also play as a winger. Dembele played many different positions. Maarten Martens can score a goal too. And the team organization is perfect. Every player knows what’s needed and Louis utilizes all the individual strengths.”

“In 1981, Kees Kist was the man in the limelight, but he didn’t even start in our team. Pier Tol was our striker and Kist was injured at first. But once he was fit, he came in and started scoring.”

Statement 3: Van Gaal and Scheringa like to play the underdog. You never did.

“And it never felt like that. We didn’t want that. We had balls and courage, I can say that. We walked around in that season with the air of: “we’re the best. Come and prove us wrong.” Opponents respected us. And we had the right types for it. Kees Kist was Dutch top scorer for some time. Hugo Hovenkamp played with flair. Kirsten Nygaard was so good that he was utterly respected. John Metgod was being courted by Real Madrid and I think I was feared for my toughness.”

“But it is true that it’s rare that another club than Ajax, PSV or Feyenoord wins the title. It has to do with money, basically. The club with the most money will have a good chance to win the title. I think Ajax’ budget is twice the budget of AZ. And that’s why it’s extra special that AZ will win the title.”

Statement 4: The AZ team had a disastrous season last year as a result of the drama of the 2007 season (when AZ lost the title on the last match day).

“You do take that with you into the next season. It will have had some effect. It’s interesting to see how AZ now handles the expectations and the pressure. That pressure will come. You can’t change that, but will it make you stronger? Or will it make you weaker? We had players who relished that pressure.”

Demy de Zeeuw

Statement 5: Georg Kessler was as extreme as Louis van Gaal.

“I’m not sure extreme is the right word. He was a remarkable coach, like Louis. He was a strategist. And his forte was team building. More like Hiddink. He was not a father figure though. He was remote and distant. Many players questioned him behind his back and Kessler was tough as nails. But I liked him and he did give us players a lot of responsibilities. He knew a tremendous amount about football. Enormous memory… I worked with him at Club Brugge too. I think Van Gaal is as good as Kessler in terms of team building.”

Statement 6: AZ will lose it’s best players

“It’s simple. When you win the Dutch title, the foreign clubs will come and check you out. Coaches, scouts, managers, agents…everyone wants Dutch players and it’s unstoppable. The good thing is, at least, that other Dutch clubs won’t be able to sign their players. The players will be too expensive. And AZ has a tremendous scouting team. I mean, look at the names: John Bosman, Peter Arntz, Hugo Hovenkamp, Barry van Galen, Max Huiberts… Most players were signed from small clubs. AZ offers proof that investing in good scouts will pay off.”

“El Hamdaoui is the most exciting striker in the Netherlands. He’s got skill, can use both legs and understands his team mates well. In particular Dembele. De Zeeuw only thinks and acts offensively. His passes will only go deep. That is one of AZ’s biggest strengths. Whenever Demy plays the ball wide or back, the pace is gone and AZ become vulnerable. Demy de Zeeuw sees the game very well and can pick his moments. Schaars is the controller, if you want. Very bringt and knows instinctively what to do tactically. He’s like Van Gaal’s first lieutenant. That’s a type of player any top team wants. If AZ can hold on to those four, maybe with creative player Martens, they will be alright.”