Van Galen to take it easy
AZ Alkmaar are to undertake a policy of wrapping Barry van Galen in cotton wool.
AZ Alkmaar are to undertake a policy of wrapping ageing midfielder Barry van Galen in cotton wool.Van Galen is a pivotal figure for AZ, but is in the twilight of his career at the age of 35.
He was absent from the weekend win over Roda JC, with coach Louis van Gaal revealing van Galen had not fully recovered from a taxing Uefa Cup outing on Thursday.
"At the age of 35 the recovery process takes more time," said van Gaal. "I have played football myself up to a relatively old age, so I know what it is about.
"Barry will get some time to rest and will play against Litex (in the Uefa Cup)."
Van Gaal has revealed he gave all the players who started last week's Uefa Cup clash with Middlesbrough the option of sitting out the home game with Roda, but only van Galen took up the invitation to rest.
