Jozy Altidore talks about AZ Alkmaar, his injury and life in Holland

Jozy Altidore says he’s fine to play today in his team’s big match, with playoff implications on the Dutch Eredivisie. (Yes, the Dutch league has playoffs; so what say all ye traditionalists who can’t stand playoffs in MLS?)

Whether he does play is up to the staff of course. But Altidore is ready for Sunday’s regular season finale as AZ Aklmaar hosts mid-table FC Groningen.

During an interview on Soccer Today (a show I co-host along with Marc Stein), Altidore said he never consciousness after the nasty spill last week into a hard structure along the sideline. He said there was a lot of pain and a back bruise, and admits that he needed some time to get his bearings, but sound like he’s up for it.

“I was definitely out of it for a second, but I didn’t lose consciousness. I was definitely awake, but it was a bit surreal for me,” he said.

In the 12-minute interview, Altidore said he’s loving his place in soccer and in life right now, enjoying the Netherlands scene and having that fantastic season, with 19 goals for AZ.

Altidore also explains the Dutch playoffs (for a Europa spot) and about a better form of pressure that he’s feeling this year.