Shortly after the match against Sporting Portugal (1-5 win), Sébastien Haller could not fully comprehend what had happened to him. The striker of Ajax impressed with four goals and thus silenced the critics. Yet Haller refused in front of the camera of Ziggo Sports are in line with the critical media.
“I still can’t believe what happened today,” Haller said. “Four goals for me, five for the team, the season couldn’t have started better. It’s unbelievable, but it’s only the first game, let’s see what happens next.” Haller was flawlessly served by Antony several times in the Champions League match, who gave him two assists. “I think it’s easy to play with Antony, also for my team-mates. We know he can make the difference against a defender. He makes it easier for us. If you mix that with the coach’s tactics, it comes something great out of that.”
What a night! ??
Didn’t register last year and now Haller scores a hat-trick in his first Champions League game ??
Antony puts him down again for the Ivorian striker ??#ZiggoSport #UCL #SCPAJA pic.twitter.com/DRvMJuiLQT
— Ziggo Sport Football (@ZS_Voetbal) September 15, 2021
Haller is obviously very pleased. “We were very good, it’s a strong performance. We were focused, strong in the game. I can’t be more proud of the team.” Haller is frequently criticized in the Dutch press. “No, I don’t follow the Dutch media, but I sometimes hear something,” the Ivorian international admitted. “To be honest, as I always say, people like to talk about everything, that’s how the media works. They like to judge everyone, they pretend to know everything. I have nothing to say to that. I always play for myself , my teammates and my family.”
Haller did not lash out at the media. “I enjoyed today. I hope the people who support me also enjoyed me, that’s all. People will always have doubts, especially when you play at a club like Ajax. You have to answer on the pitch. Sometimes it works that, sometimes not. But you always have to have faith in yourself and your teammates.”