Contentious AZ Alkmaar star: โ€œI hope to start this year with a clean slateโ€

AZ Alkmaarโ€™s Wouter Goes has started the new season full of confidence and is hoping to qualify for the regular league phase of the Conference League.

However, in comments ahead of AZโ€™s match with FC Vaduz, the defender was quick to talk about mellowing out on a personal level. After a much-discussed season, he hopes to start with a clean slate.

Many opponents learned that Goes isnโ€™t a typical Eredivisie competitor. The 21-year-old defender was the subject of controversy several times last term because he simply did everything he could to win, even if it was a little unorthodox and bordering on the dark arts.

โ€œIโ€™ve put that behind me. I hope to start this year with a clean slate.โ€

So, how does he put all the commotion of the past few months aside? โ€œJust by having a good time with your friends and putting your phone away for a while. I havenโ€™t really thought about it much during the holidays, I have to say. If something does get written about it, thereโ€™s not much I can do about it anyway. So Iโ€™m not thinking about it. Itโ€™s a new season, so weโ€™ll see how it goes.โ€

Alkmaar were admittedly poor in Finland against Ilves Tampere two weeks ago, before eventually beating them a week later. Now in the third round of qualifying, the Alkmaarders canโ€™t leave anything to chance against Vaduz, who will likely play into their underdog status like Ilves.

โ€œItโ€™s clear we need to work on that, as it happened too often last season. Weโ€™re also very focused on each other. If youโ€™re not at one hundred per cent energy, youโ€™ll lose your composure. Thatโ€™s simply a matter of not giving it your all. Thatโ€™s when leadership is required. From me, but also from other players.

โ€œThis year, I have to show more of myself. Last season was the first time I played every game. I want to continue that trend. I also want to become a bit more of a leader. As a young player, you want to play as many games as possible, so itโ€™s important to reach the league stage.โ€

GBeNeFNย |ย Max Bradfield

More European Football News