Team Talk

In the AZ Alkmaar dressing room, the air was thick with tension.

Boots scraped against the floor as players shuffled to their seats, their faces etched with a mixture of frustration and determination.

The sound of the door slamming shut behind Gertjan Verbeek silenced the low murmurs.

The head coach stood at the center of the room, his eyes scanning the players. His usually calm demeanor was replaced with a sharp intensity.

For a moment, he said nothing, letting the weight of the situation settle over the squad.

"Alright," Gertjan Verbeek began, his voice steady but firm. "Two-one. That's where we're at."

He looked to each player, his gaze lingering just long enough to remind them of their responsibility. "You've been the better team out there. They know it. We know it. But being better means nothing if we don't take our chances."