'Thrilled to collaborate with the team': AZ appoints temporary coach Leeroy Echteld to full-time role

AZ alongside Echteld revealed a pact for a two-year contract prolongation on Friday, securing the position of the 57-year-old as the head coach for the senior squad.

"From the moment I was appointed, I set myself two goals: to work my hardest every day and to enjoy it," Echteld stated via the official club site. "I love working with those lads every day and seeing them develop."

Echteld stepped in after Maarten Martens was dismissed in January, guiding the side to the last eight of the UEFA Conference League and securing the Dutch Cup by defeating NEC Nijmegen 5-1 on 19 April.

The triumph in the KNVB Beker held particular significance for Echteld, who previously oversaw Jong AZ before assuming control of the main team. "Of course, winning the cup was an absolute highlight. The players have written their names in the history books," he remarked.

"At the same time, I can see that there is still a lot of potential in the squad. Among other things, we want to become more consistent over the long term."

AZ currently sit in sixth position within the Dutch Eredivisie. Thanks to their KNVB Beker success, AZ have secured at least a spot in the League Phase of the forthcoming UEFA Europa League. Should the Alkmaar club improbably end up third in the standings, they would advance to the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, while the fourth-placed side would proceed straight to the UEFA Europa League's League Phase.