AZ fires trainer Verbeek

Published Sep. 29, 2013 6:51 a.m. ET

foxsports

AZ Alkmaar has fired Gertjan Verbeek, citing a ''lack of chemistry'' between the coach and his players.

The club announced Verbeek's dismissal Sunday on its website, with a press conference scheduled for later in the day. The announcement comes after AZ defeated Dutch league leader PSV 2-1 on Saturday to move into fourth place in the Dutch league standings.

AZ is due to play Paok Saloniki in the Europa League on Thursday, after winning its first group stage match against Maccabi Haifa.

Verbeek, 51, joined Alkmaar in 2010, guiding the team to a place in European competition three times, and winning the Dutch cup once.

In a statement, the club said ''management and the board of directors see no basis for futher cooperation,'' with Verbeek. No replacement has been named.