In a decisive move that signals stability and ambition, AZ Alkmaar has officially appointed Leeroy Echteld as its permanent head coach. The 57-year-old Amsterdam native has signed a contract that will keep him at the helm of the Eredivisie club until the summer of 2028. This decision marks the end of a successful interim period and cements a long-term vision for a team that recently tasted silverware.
Echteld's journey to the permanent role began in mid-January when he was brought in on an interim basis. He stepped into a challenging situation, replacing Maarten Martens who had been dismissed. The initial appointment was seen as a temporary solution, but Echteld's impact on the squad was immediate and profound. His leadership guided the team through a critical phase of the season, culminating in a significant achievement that ultimately secured his future.
The crowning moment of Echteld's interim tenure was leading AZ to victory in the Eurojackpot KNVB Beker. The team delivered a commanding performance in the final, defeating NEC with a resounding 5-1 scoreline. This triumph was not just a trophy; it was a historic moment for the club, ending a wait for a major prize that stretched back to 2013. The cup win provided tangible proof of Echteld's ability to motivate and organize the team for high-stakes matches.
The sentiment within the dressing room played a crucial role in the club's decision. Following the cup final, several key players publicly voiced their support for Echteld to continue. Among them was captain Jordy Clasie, whose endorsement carried significant weight. This player backing demonstrated that Echteld had earned the trust and respect of the squad, a vital component for any long-term managerial appointment.
The formal negotiations involved AZ's top leadership. Echteld engaged in discussions with General Director Merijn Zeeman and incoming Football Director Niels van Duinen. These conversations successfully bridged the gap between an interim arrangement and a permanent commitment, resulting in the agreement announced today. The involvement of the club's highest executives underscores the strategic importance of this appointment for AZ's future.
Echteld's connection to AZ runs deep, forming a recurring theme throughout his professional career. His first association with the club dates back to 1998 when he had a brief spell as a player. He returned in a coaching capacity in 2014, taking charge of the Under-16 youth team. This began a steady ascent through the club's coaching ranks.
From the youth academy, Echteld was promoted to the first-team setup at the end of 2015. He served as an assistant coach under head coach John van den Brom for two and a half years, gaining valuable experience at the senior level. His most recent return to Alkmaar came in 2024, when then-Football Director Max Huiberts appointed him as the head coach of Jong AZ, the club's reserve team. This role served as the direct springboard for his promotion to the first team four months ago.
Outside of his various roles at AZ, Echteld has built a diverse coaching portfolio. His career includes positions at Dutch amateur clubs like DWV, DVC Buiksloot, and Zeeburgia. He also gained international experience with the B-team of French giants Paris Saint-Germain. Domestically, he worked as an assistant at PEC Zwolle and FC Emmen, and held a similar role with the Dutch national youth teams (Jong Oranje). This breadth of experience has shaped his coaching philosophy.
The new contract until 2028 provides both Echteld and AZ with a clear timeline for development. It allows the coach to implement his ideas fully and build a squad in his image over multiple seasons. For the club, it ensures continuity after a period of managerial change and leverages the momentum from their recent cup success. The deal represents a mutual commitment to achieving sustained success in the Eredivisie and potentially in European competition.
This appointment is a statement of intent from AZ. By securing a coach who understands the club's culture and has already delivered a trophy, they are prioritizing stability and internal progression. The challenge for Echteld will be to translate the cup-winning form into consistent league performance and establish AZ as a perennial contender at the top of Dutch football. The foundation has been laid with this long-term agreement.
Based on reporting from Voetbal International.