Kees Smit has learned his lesson

Smit returned from injury against Juventus and acknowledged he must be more honest with physios and himself going forward.

Kees Smit endured weeks on the sidelines before making his comeback against Juventus, and the midfielder's return immediately showed what AZ had been missing during his absence. Watching from the bench during Saturday's match against Ajax at the Johan Cruijff Arena was particularly frustrating for Smit, as AZ produced decent football but struggled to create chances in the final phase of attack — precisely the area where Smit thrives. "I have the feeling I can help the team when I'm on the pitch," he said. "When you're watching from the bench or at home on TV and things aren't going well, I find that difficult. It's frustrating." Smit has learned a lesson from his injury layoff and vowed to be more honest with the physios and with himself moving forward.