06 Nov 2023 at 05:05
John van ‘t Schip also sees room for improvement after Ajax’s 4-1 victory against SC Heerenveen, but he also sees many things that make him satisfied. For example, the trainer is full of praise for his experienced strengths.
“I have seen boys rise above themselves,” Van ‘t Schip said on Sunday at his press conference after the win over Heerenveen. “Josip Sutalo defended very well and was also very concentrated. Steven Bergwijn scored the important opening goal and Berghuis was involved in three goals. These are boys who have to carry the team and they did that.”
Van ‘t Schip recorded his second win with Ajax against Heerenveen, after Volendam was defeated 2-0 on Thursday. “I didn’t think we were fresh three days after the match with FC Volendam,” said Van ‘t Schip. “As a result, the spaces in midfield were certainly too large in the first half. Things went better in the second half, perhaps also because fresh players came onto the field.”
One of those fresh players was Chuba Akpom, who scored twice in the final phase. The English attacker was also accurate against Volendam. “Chuba was threatening,” said Van ‘t Schip. “That’s great, because it’s good to have competition in a selection. And Chuba can of course also play in our team together with Brian Brobbey.”
Joy at Ajax after one of Chuba Akpom’s goals. Photo: Pro Shots
‘Winning gives confidence’
The next match for Ajax and Van ‘t Schip is Thursday. The record champion will then play at home against Brighton & Hove Albion in the group stage of the Europa League. A week and a half ago, Ajax lost without a chance in England under the leadership of Hedwiges Maduro, but a lot has now changed at the Amsterdam club.
“Winning gives confidence,” said Van ‘t Schip. “But there is still a lot of room for improvement. But you also need training for that. I have now been able to train three times for two matches. Fortunately, we still won both matches.”
With the second victory in a row, Ajax took another step up the rankings. Van ‘t Schip’s team is now eleventh and has surpassed Heerenveen.
Image: ANP
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2023-11-06 04:05:46
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