Ajax will play against Serbian FK Vojvodina in the preliminary round of the Europa League next Thursday. The Amsterdammers are in full preparation for the new season. Kian Fitz-Jim is one of the youngsters who wants to impress his new coach Francesco Farioli.

The 21-year-old midfielder is very positive about the Italian coach. “Farioli is on top of things. That actually applies to the entire staff. They are positive and have good energy and everything is clear quickly,” he told ESPN.

Fitz-Jim had little prospect of a starting place in Ajax 1 in the summer of 2023 and was then loaned to Excelsior. The Amsterdammers brought him back during the winter break after the club was thin on midfielders.

Because Jordan Henderson was subsequently brought in and injured competitors returned, Fitz-Jim was stuck with only 39 minutes in the first team. However, he does not regret his decision to return to Ajax early. “I still fully support it.”

Fitz-Jim has approached this season’s preparation differently than last year. “I think they have a plan for me this year. The fact that I have signed a new contract shows that the club has confidence in me. I want to pay off that confidence this year. I always feel that this is going to be my season, but this year I have that extra.”

The midfielder also feels that he will be included in Farioli's plans. “I think I can play in any position, but I prefer to be at '8'. Especially in Farioli's playing style. We don't really play with someone right behind the attack and I don't think I'm a '10' either. This system suits me a bit better. It suits me.”

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