Pascal Jansen has lavished praise on the raucous atmosphere at Tannadice after buoyant Arabs roared Dundee United to a memorable 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar.
However, the AZ boss has warned that the Eredivisie outfit will receive the same backing at the AFAS Stadion — while emphasising that it is only half-time in the tie.
“I have tremendous respect for the Dundee United fans because they supported their team from the first minute to the last,” lauded Jansen.
“They really backed their team and, even though I am the coach of their opponents, that is something I can appreciate.
“I am looking forward to the second leg now — and I know for sure our crowd will support us like that.
“As I told my boys, we are at half-time now and we have to prepare for the second half next week. That is what we are going to do.
“There was a part during the first half where we didn’t have our pressing at the level we are looking for. We gave them too much time to get into their patterns.
“I discussed that with the players at half-time and we will have to focus on that next week too.”
‘Long ball’ assessment
Vastly experienced midfielder Jordy Clasie, who boasts 17 caps for the Netherlands, pulled no punches with his assessment of the showing — while also offering a rather uncharitable assessment of United’s abilities.
“We didn’t give much away — but we also created very little,” he rued. “It was not good enough.
“What they (United) mainly do is make the match physical, play long balls and run.
“If we have the pressure right and be ourselves, we are normally better than these kinds of opponents.
“But if you’re not yourself and play so sloppy, you’re going to have a really hard time.”
Conversation