AZ fans are still buzzing about their 6-0 win over Ajax, but the club’s directors aren’t happy with the bigger picture.
Just four days after their biggest ever win over the Amsterdam giants in the last 16 of the KNVB Beker, head coach Maarten Martens has been sacked.
The decision comes after a 3-1 defeat to PEC Zwolle which left AZ 8th in the Eredivisie and six points off the top three.
“AZ and Maarten Martens are parting ways with immediate effect due to disappointing league results,” a statement on the AZ website said.
“Leeroy Echteld, manager of Jong AZ and previously an assistant coach for the first team, will finish the season as head coach.”
Director of football, Max Huiberts, added: “We are all strongly convinced that this squad has more potential than we’ve seen in the past few months.
“We’ve analysed and evaluated extensively together what needs to be improved. Unfortunately, we haven’t seen enough stability and progress. This has forced us to make this very difficult decision.”
Martens responded: “Of course, it’s a huge shame, and I’m extremely disappointed right now.
“Although the decision is still fresh in my mind, I already look back on the past two years I’ve been head coach at this wonderful club with great pride and appreciation.”
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