Erik ten Hag has ruled out that Antony will leave Ajax next winter. The winger is undergoing excellent development and has been in the spotlight at clubs from abroad, but if it is up to the coach of the team from Amsterdam, the winger will not leave, he told Monday afternoon during the press conference in the run-up to the Champions League match. with Sporting Portugal. Ten Hag will probably have to miss Dusan Tadic during the last group match. The captain has back problems.
Ajax will have to do without the long-term injured Maarten Stekelenburg and Sean Klaiber on Tuesday evening. There is a big question mark behind Tadic’s name, as it turned out during the press conference. “He has been struggling with back problems since the match on artificial grass at Heracles Almelo”, Ten Hag explained his captain’s injury. “Ten Hag did not want to answer the question whether André Onana is under the bar again. The Cameroonian made two weeks ago. against Besiktas (1-2) his return under the bar after a doping suspension “You will see that tomorrow”, said Ten Hag about his choice under the bar.
Ten Hag addressed the press present with Antony, for whom he had praise. “He is an extraordinary talent, especially in creating opportunities,” said the Ajax coach. “He has a lot of technique. His dribbling technique in particular stands out. He knows how to cause a lot of problems for opponents. He is very difficult to stop for the defense in the dribbles, but also without the ball with his speed. I think they should always put two men on him, that alone creates space for Antony.”
If it is up to Ten Hag, Antony will certainly remain inboard until the end of the season. “Whether a departure is unmentionable during the winter break? Yes, if it’s up to me, he won’t leave. In big matches he sees his challenge, then he can often excel exceptionally. Then he is on edge and often makes the difference. ” Antony had to drop the matches against Besiktas and Sparta Rotterdam due to minor pains, but is simply part of the selection against Sporting Portugal. There is even a chance that Ajax will come into action with a full Brazilian vanguard, as Tadic may be absent and David Neres and Danilo will also be in the selection on Tuesday evening.
Ten Hag also responded to Nicolás Tagliafico’s statements. The Argentinian gave on Saturday in front of the camera of the NOS indicated that if he had been Ajax’s trainer, he would have spoken more with the substitutes. “I don’t feel addressed at all, because I talk a lot with my players. I also talk to the substitutes, not just Tagliafico. Although I do think he is very mature, he is a top professional. He knows his position. He trains hard every day and when the team needs him, he is there. Other players need such conversations much more, that is younger players who don’t always understand it either. Which you certainly also have to motivate and sometimes get out of the hole, but I certainly put a lot of energy into that.”