It’s been a dreadful start to the season so far for Ajax, who are currently 12th in Eredivisie after four matches. On Sunday, the Dutch giants were beaten 3-1 by FC Twente. Ajax were trailing 2-0 within the first 11 minutes of a league match for the first time since October 2008 and they faced 13 shots in the first half. On top of that, Ajax managed just two shots on target in the entire game, compared to Twente’s nine attempts on goal.
One defeat, one victory and two draws. That’s the record that Ajax and Maurice Steijn are holding this season. It’s certainly not going to get any easier. This week they face Marseille in the Europa League, followed by a visit from Feyenoord on Sunday. Everyone from supporters to pundits and club legends fears for the future of the club if things continue the way they are.
On Sunday, Ronald de Boer expressed his concern about the current situation, telling Ziggo Sport ‘You start to think: where is this going? There are ten, eleven, twelve new players. Only they have no idea what it’s like to play at Ajax. Normally there is already a crisis with a draw. Do they realise that? I don’t have that feeling.’
Ajax brought in 12 new players in the summer, spending over €100m. The likes of Josip Sutalo, Chuba Akpom, Georges Mikautadze and Carlos Borges were signed to strengthen the squad. But, it’s clear that it will take them all a while to gel. This week will be huge for Maurice Steijn.
