Ajax are preparing for the final Champions League game of the season. Against Rangers FC, the Amsterdam-based side can end a disappointing season on a good note and a place in the knockout stages of the Europa League, Europe’s second tournament. “A lot has to go wrong to miss the Europa League,” said Ajax coach Alfred Schreuder at the press conference on Monday.
The chance that Ajax can report back to the Europa League after the World Cup is indeed high. The team from Amsterdam can lose against Rangers tomorrow with a maximum of four goals. Schreuder’s team created this starting position through the first group game: it was 4-0 at home against the Rangers.
There was a lot of praise for Ajax, but the situation has been very different for almost two months. In addition to some mediocre performances in the Eredivisie, Ajax have lost twice to Liverpool (1:2 and 0:3) and Napoli (1:6 and 2:4).
Schreuder believes not much has changed since the home win over Rangers. “The opponents were a size too big.” And the coach hadn’t thought of that right after the draw. “Then you were hoping to get in the top two. It didn’t go like that. Now it’s important to make it into the Europa League.”
Ajax seem rested for the game. The team has a week’s rest because the game against Vitesse that was scheduled for last weekend has been postponed to next week. Schreuder: “We were able to train extra. We’re happy the way we are now.”
According to the coach, the only thing that is uncertain is whether striker Brian Brobbey can play. “He has minor ailments.” There will be a decision tomorrow. Schreuder will take Sunday’s game into account when making his decision when Ajax play PSV at home.
Schreuder also says that he is primarily concerned with tomorrow’s game. He’s also trying to enjoy Ibrox, the atmospheric home of Rangers FC. “The stadium is fantastic. Even as a little boy it was nice to go abroad. It’s still nice even though I don’t take the time to go sightseeing.”
Source:NOS
I’m Maxine Reitz, a journalist and news writer at 24 Instant News. I specialize in health-related topics and have written hundreds of articles on the subject. My work has been featured in leading publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and Healthline. As an experienced professional in the industry, I have consistently demonstrated an ability to develop compelling stories that engage readers.
