Koeman ensures an early start for AZ

New coach Ronald Koeman has led Dutch champions AZ Alkmaar in their first training session of the new season, saying with a smile: "For me it is not so bad to start this early as I have been on holiday for the last year."

Group stage debut
Having won their second Dutch title last season – and first since 1981 – under Louis van Gaal, AZ will make their debut in the UEFA Champions League group stage this autumn guided by the 46-year-old Koeman, who stepped in after his predecessor accepted the position of coach at FC Bayern München.

Extended vacation
The former Dutch international had been waiting for the right opportunity to return to coaching since parting company with Valencia CF last April, and was eager to get to work with his new team, inviting them to start pre-season training before any of their Eredivisie rivals. "For me it is not so bad to start this early as I have been on holiday for the last year," he joked.

Same goal
The new coach realises he has much to do if he is to emulate last season's successes but is not going to make any radical changes. "The club has had a fantastic season and now everyone starts from zero again," he said. "The goal is the same as past years; to qualify for Europe. People might have different expectations now, but I do not think that the goal has to be changed."

'A nice season'
Koeman has started training without most of his international players, who will return on 22 June, while Dutch internationals will be given until 29 June to report for duty. The former AFC Ajax, SL Benfica and PSV Eindhoven coach concluded: "It will be a nice season. Playing in the UEFA Champions League is something to look forward to for everyone; players, coaches, staff and fans."