Echteld's criticism centres on the team's cautious approach, which allowed Telstar to push them back and ultimately make the game a hard-fought win. He believes that AZ should be playing with the confidence that comes with competing for the title. "We played cautiously, Telstar pushed us back and did that well. We didn't give up any big chances, but the feeling wasn't really super," Echteld said.
AZ's captain Peer Koopmeiners also expressed his disappointment with the team's performance, feeling that they should have won the game more convincingly. "Telstar at home, you have to win that. It was ultimately a hard-fought win because you don't reward yourself. I think it's good how we defend at the end and try to counter, but it's going to be a matter of fact that we decide these kinds of games earlier," Koopmeiners said.
The team's struggles to find their winning form will be a concern for Echteld as they head into the international break. AZ will look to regroup and come back stronger when they return to action.