Erik ten Hag could be satisfied after the convincing victory of Ajax against FC Groningen (3-0). The trainer of the Amsterdammers performs for the camera of ESPN the main criticism is the missed opportunities. “We have to be more careful about that, because at a higher level you will not get so many opportunities,” said Ten Hag.
“I am satisfied,” says the trainer nonetheless. “I just said in the dressing room that I enjoyed them. I think it’s great that against Groningen, which defends very well, we are able to create so many opportunities, score fantastic goals and give nothing away at all Because I don’t think Groningen has created a chance.” The opponent tried to upset Ajax with defensive play and time wasting.
Yet, when asked, Ten Hag does not think that FC Groningen can be compared with Getafe, which was too strong for Ajax in the Europa League a year and a half ago. “Getafe is of a different order,” said the coach. “I hope we will not experience that. That is what arbitration is for, you have to ban it, because that has nothing to do with fair play. I even think it is scandalous how Getafe did that, but that was not Groningen. playing on the edge: OK. And they were occasionally annoying with time wasting, but I think the arbitration should act.”
It took until five minutes before half time that Ajax opened the score. “No, I wasn’t going to squeeze him, but I do think it is a point of criticism. So if you create those hundred percent opportunities, they should also come in. We have to take that on board. That has been a theme with us for some time in the dressing room. They have to come in, otherwise you could have a really hard time. We have that experience in the Champions League, like against Chelsea, where you play great, but in the last five minutes you get the lid on the nose. If you want to survive in the Champions League, you have to take advantage of opportunities earlier.”
Next week Ajax will play at home against FC Utrecht. Ten Hag knows René Hake, the trainer of the Domstedelingen, very well from their time together at FC Twente and is asked what he knows about Hake that others do not know. “A lot, but I can’t share that in front of the camera,” Ten Hag laughs. “No, no, not really. Let me put it this way: everyone has something. He will also talk about me, that is dangerous, isn’t it. I will not blow the whistle”, he winks.