Thu Feb 20 17:20:00 UTC 2025: ## AZ Alkmaar Confident but Cautious Ahead of Galatasaray Clash
**Istanbul, Turkey –** AZ Alkmaar head coach Pascal Martens expressed cautious optimism ahead of Thursday’s Europa League knockout round clash against Galatasaray at RAMS Park. Speaking at a press conference alongside midfielder Peer Koopmeiners, Martens acknowledged the 4-1 first-leg victory but stressed the importance of focusing on the task at hand.
“We know what to expect; the atmosphere will be intense,” Martens said. “We need to focus on our game and perhaps work on our communication. We’re a young team, but many have European experience despite their age. We have different plans for this match compared to the first leg. We need to adapt to the changes within the game. I expect a much better Galatasaray tomorrow; they’ll be reacting at home. We are prepared for whatever they bring.”
Koopmeiners echoed his manager’s sentiments, emphasizing the need to avoid complacency despite the commanding first-leg lead. “We have to play balanced,” Koopmeiners stated. “We can’t focus on the score from the first leg. We will believe in our strength, and we want to win. Reaching the last 16 would be great, and we’ll do everything we can to achieve it. It’s a two-legged tie; we haven’t progressed yet. We know what to expect here, and we’re trying to prepare ourselves. We will fight for 90 minutes.”
The return of Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, who missed the first leg through suspension, was also addressed. Koopmeiners acknowledged Osimhen’s quality, stating, “He’s a top-quality striker, it’s important for our defenders, but we won’t overemphasize it. Our team will react well. We know what challenges lie ahead; we’ve proven ourselves against attacking teams many times.”
AZ Alkmaar’s final training session before the match was partially open to the press, but tactical work was limited due to snowy conditions. The team practiced on an artificial pitch instead of the snow-covered main field.
First Piper 