AZ Alkmaar captain wanted Man United instead of Tottenham in Europa League draw

AZ Alkmaar captain Jordy Clasie has expressed his excitement about being paired with Tottenham in the Europa League, although he initially had his sights set on Manchester United.

Last week, Tottenham Hotspur discovered their Europa League round of 16 opponent as they were drawn against AZ Alkmaar.

The first leg of the round of 16 tie is set to take place in the Netherlands, as Ange Postecoglou‘s men will be aiming to secure a favourable result before hosting AZ Alkmaar at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Should the Lilywhites make it through the round of 16, then a clash against either Ajax or Eintracht Frankfurt awaits Tottenham, with the first leg taking place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Are Tottenham more feared than Man United in the Europa League?

Following the round-of-16 draw, AZ Alkmaar captain Jordy Clasie has now revealed that he would have preferred a draw against another Premier League side.

He said as relayed by Voetbal Primeur: “Maybe I had a slight preference for that,” he said when asked about Manchester United.

“But both opponents are fantastic to play against in the last sixteen. Tottenham has a fantastic stadium, with sixty thousand people.

“We were certainly not without a chance at the time, but we were not at our best either. There are opportunities against every club. Also, against these types of opponents, despite the fact that on paper they are of course a very big name.”

Spurs vs AZ Alkmaar: Troy Parrott returns to North London

The clash between Tottenham Hotspur and AZ Alkmaar is set to be filled with so many compelling narratives.

First, the two sides would be playing against each other for the second time in the Europa League this season.

The earlier meeting was on matchday three of the group phase where Tottenham secured a narrow 1-0 win, thanks to Richarlison’s penalty. This clash also sees former Tottenham Hotspur striker Troy Parrott reunite with his former employees.

Troy Parrott has been in fine form this season and will be hoping to put a dent in Spurs Europa League aspirations. The first leg is set to kick off on Thursday, March 6 2025.

The post AZ Alkmaar captain wanted Man United instead of Tottenham in Europa League draw appeared first on Spurs Web.