Ajax suffered another loss of points against a team from the middle bracket last Sunday. In Branie, the podcast of Het Parool and Ajax Showtime, there was therefore enough to discuss. Presenter Menno Pot discussed the question with Dick Sintenie – Ajax watcher of Het Parool – and Jesse ter Haar – deputy editor-in-chief of Ajax Showtime: is there now a crisis?
The trio soon come to the conclusion that the entire right-hand side of the Ajax team was ‘completely dysfunctional’. The loss of Jurriën Timber and Noussair Mazraoui is called a huge loss. In addition, the vulnerability of Devyne Rensch and Perr Schuurs also meant that Edson Álvarez had a harder time than usual.
Ajax awaits tough matches against AZ and Benfica
There was more to discuss in Branie. André Onana is suddenly back on target at Ajax, Devyne Rensch did not play his best match and the question arises whether Daley Blind is out of form. ‘The position was not good at Ajax’, says Jesse ter Haar. ‘That was also the case in Lisbon against Benfica. I do worry about that. In that sense, a crisis is looming, with the tough cup match at AZ just around the corner.’
Dick Sintenie remains a lot more positive towards the coming matches. ‘If Ajax loses to AZ and Benfica, it will be difficult. But for now there is no crisis. Ajax hadn’t lost an away match in ages. I really didn’t expect the second half of the season to go completely smoothly. I believe that a defeat like this is sometimes good for a team.’
Branie can be listened to every Monday afternoon from 12.00 pm this season via Spotify, iTunes and our website. Listen to the latest episode now!
Jesse ter Haar (Twitter: @jesseterhaar | Email: [email protected])
