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AZ coach Leeroy Echterld, 58, is leading the Dutch top division after taking charge of the club in January. He was appointed after Maarten Martens was dismissed, having previously coached Jong AZ, Blauw-Wit, De Treffers and Paris Saint-Germain’s second team. He had not previously managed a team at the highest level in the Netherlands. Echterld already has a KNVB Cup and a Johan Cruijff Shield to his name.
5 sources
Feyenoord were due to host Eredivisie leaders AZ at De Kuip after the international break. AZ had 19 points, two more than Feyenoord, and Feyenoord could move into first place with a win. Feyenoord coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst described the match as an important test ahead of a demanding run of fixtures and said he had prepared his side for a strong AZ.
5 sources
AZ midfielder Kees Smit was injured during the warm-up for the Netherlands Under-21 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Coach Leeroy Echteld said Smit has groin problems and will be unavailable for at least several weeks. Smit therefore misses Eredivisie leaders AZ's away match against Feyenoord. Mexx Meerdink, who returned from international duty with minor complaints, is available.