Jordan Henderson raves about Francesco Farioli. The Ajax midfielder is particularly pleased with the intensity of the training and says that the difference with his first months in Amsterdam is enormous. Farioli also confirmed that Henderson will wear the captain's armband against Vojvodina.

Henderson joined Ajax from Al-Ettifaq last winter, which had one of the worst seasons in its club history. The Amsterdammers, who were led by John van 't Schip at the time of Henderson's arrival, were also unable to make an impact in the second half of the season. Since the appointment of Farioli, Henderson has seen major differences in fitness and joy within the selection.

“I guess I would use the word 'intensity' to describe the manager and the staff in the first five weeks. That's what I'm used to,” Henderson said of his time in the Premier League, “so I've really enjoyed the last five, six weeks. The intensity of the training, the demands the manager puts on the players. The level of training in the last few weeks has gone up phenomenally compared to the first few months.”

“So I think the first impressions are very good, and I think I speak for all the players in that regard. We're all working hard and we've done it with a smile on our faces, which is important when you do that every day. New energy, new environment that we're trying to create. The coach and the staff have implemented that from minute one.”

“I did all the training sessions and it felt really good to be honest. There were some tough sessions in there, but it felt good. The fitness level has to be high, so we worked hard on that with a smile on our faces. I'm still learning at my age (34, ed.) and I enjoy it.”

Henderson sees huge differences in the atmosphere between last season and this season. “A huge difference. I don't think you can hide that. When you see the training sessions, you can see the difference. The intensity in training and what is being asked in training. And the energy in the team. That is something we have to keep doing.”

Captain

Farioli, who was sitting next to Henderson during the press conference, announced that the Englishman will wear the captain's armband against Vojvodina. Whether that is a permanent choice remains to be seen. Steven Bergwijn, last season's number one captain, is still on holiday, just like Brian Brobbey. The two will report back to Amsterdam on 29 July.

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