Erik ten Hag is making changes to Ajax’s line-up against Besiktas. The trainer announced at the press conference that ‘other players will get the chance’, without going into detail. He does, however, want to see more of his team than in previous matches in which they rotated. Ten Hag refers to the loss of points in the matches against Heracles Almelo (0-0) and Go Ahead Eagles (0-0), when he made some changes.
Ajax is already certain of wintering and almost certain of group victory. Still, Ten Hag is increasing the pressure on the eve of the match in Istanbul. “We want to win. We have to win. Against a team that is fighting for its last chance,” says Ten Hag. “You also know the culture of this country: they are crazy about football and the team is under pressure if they don’t get points. It will be a difficult game for us. We will have to be top notch to get a result here.”
Ajax will not play with the same eleven as on Sunday against RKC Waalwijk (0-5 victory), although it is unclear how many changes will be made. “The previous times we gave other players the chance, we didn’t give it home. That irritates me immensely. Tomorrow there will be a very good team on the field, just like the previous times. But we did not perform and won then,” he said. Ten Hag. “The selection has to prove itself tomorrow, whether we are strong together. We have to take that step.”
Ten Hag will not appeal to Edson Álvarez, who is serving a suspension. “We are forced to switch Edson. I also take into account the complaints that the boys have. We are also looking at further developing the team. We want to teach them new tactics and have them play in different compositions, so that we can play even more varied.” , said Ten Hag, who does not want to reveal which players have complaints. “No, because with that I reveal my line-up. My players will hear it first. You will see it tomorrow.”