A visibly disappointed Denzel Dumfries criticised his team’s performance in their 3-1 defeat at home to AZ. “We struggled, put up a really poor display and failed to reach our best level”. Striker Donyell Malen shared his captain’s post-match analysis.
”We lacked energy and desire”
“I just don’t get it”, said Dumfries, referring to the final score. “It was a really poor performance. We lacked energy and desire and never won the second ball. We lacked intent and were punished for it by AZ”, he said, bemoaning the 3-1 defeat.
Tough schedule
Dumfries did not blame the tough schedule, with two big games within three days. “No, we’re all in the same boat. We did not put in enough energy and were punished. We failed to reach our best level”, said Dumfries and Donyell Malen could not agree more. “It’s a disappointing result. We feel upset. Our coach said a few words but it was very quiet in the dressing room”, said the striker.
“The title race is not over”
“We know we can do much better. We were inspired by the half-time pep talk and halved the deficit but could not score an equaliser”, said Malen, who remained optimistic. “We have a long way to go and the title race is not over yet”.