Dusan Tadic is happy with the three points after the match against Vitesse (1-2 win). The captain of Ajax admits that it is an ‘ugly victory’ and knows that it has to be better to become champion. “Unbelievable that we conceded another goal from a standard situation,” said Tadic ESPN.
Of the nine goals conceded in 2023, Ajax conceded five from a standard situation. “That happens too often,” Tadic responds. “We need to improve on that. Again, we shouldn’t think too much about it, but we can certainly improve ourselves in that respect. How? By defending like animals. That’s what it’s all about: my husband is not going to score.'”
Tadic claimed a penalty in the first half when the Serb headed the ball on the arm at Nicolas Isimat-Mirin. However, to his great surprise, Dennis Higler whistled for a light nudge from him on Isimat-Mirin. “For me it was a penalty. The defender had two meters of space and he weighs a hundred kilos,” said Tadic. “I didn’t even push him. The ball clearly hit his arm. No foul on my part in my opinion. But you have to respect the referee’s decision. Dennis is a great referee, he tries to make the best decision.”
Tadic acted as the declarant with a corner kick for Edson Álvarez’s winning goal. It was Tadic’s 77th assist in the Eredivisie for Ajax. Together with his 73 goals, he reached the number of 150. Tadic himself was not aware of this. “I didn’t know I’m at 150 now, but I knew my stats are pretty good.”
Although Tadic is again the most valuable player in the Eredivisie in terms of goals and assists, according to some, the attacker is going through a difficult season. “It is normal that it is said, because people expect a lot from us. We did not play well, neither did I. We did not get good results, then criticism is normal. I am at Ajax every year MVP of the Eredivisie and will also be this year, but more important is becoming champion with Ajax. That’s our job and we have to do it.”