Contentious AZ Alkmaar star: “I hope to start this year with a clean slate” | OneFootball

AZ Alkmaar’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 AZ’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 isn’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.

“I’ve put that behind me. I hope to start this year with a clean slate.”

So, how does he put all the commotion of the past few months aside? “Just by having a good time with your friends and putting your phone away for a while. I haven’t really thought about it much during the holidays, I have to say. If something does get written about it, there’s not much I can do about it anyway. So I’m not thinking about it. It’s a new season, so we’ll see how it goes.”

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 can’t leave anything to chance against Vaduz, who will likely play into their underdog status like Ilves.

“It’s clear we need to work on that, as it happened too often last season. We’re also very focused on each other. If you’re not at one hundred per cent energy, you’ll lose your composure. That’s simply a matter of not giving it your all. That’s when leadership is required. From me, but also from other players.

“This 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 it’s important to reach the league stage.”

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield