Tom Rofekamp
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Ajax suffered a nasty blow in the hunt for European football on Wednesday evening. The record champions did not get further than a 2-2 draw against low-flying Excelsior, meaning that Ajax no longer has Europa League qualification in its own hands. Bee Football talk the ingredients are discussed to help the people of Amsterdam get back on their feet. According to Marciano Vink, a mix of 'quality and willingness' is needed.
Ajax got into trouble early on Wednesday evening due to a dubious red card for Steven Bergwijn. At that moment it was still 1-0, but in minute 53 Excelsior had turned that around to a 1-2 in favor of the Kralingers. Ultimately, substitute Chuba Akpom saved a point in the final phase.
Vink watched it all with sorrow. “Ajax just didn't play well again. If you now have a chance to knock AZ out of fourth place or at least secure fifth place, you have quite a favorable program, and then start like this… .”, says the analyst Football talk.
Vink blames Bergwijn for his 'stupid' violation, but believes that the core problem at Ajax is more broadly oriented. According to the analyst, 'willingness' is the key word. “Is it about quality, or is it about willingness? What do you prefer? Because nowadays willingness seems to take precedence over quality. Willingness is also a kind of mentality,” says Vink.
'Willingness' should also be the key word in the upcoming transfer period, Vink believes. He also mentions two names with whom Ajax should in any case not continue.
“I do believe that targeted purchases should be made, and that you should say goodbye to a number of players, such as Ávila and a Medic. The kind of players who should complement the selection, but do not.”
According to Vink, there is still room in the Johan Cruijff ArenA for Steven Berghuis and Bergwijn, who are also linked to a departure. Provided… “They also go along with the story of a Potter or whoever comes along. You see what happens with a Bosz at PSV. The difference between last year and this season is intensity. If you cannot find that willingness in your selection, you have to make choices with guys who are willing. Everyone will have to come along if you want to join the top.”
Ajax still has three matches to ensure at least qualification for the Europa League. Feyenoord's cup win moves the ticket for the second qualifying round of the tournament to number five in the rankings. However, number six NEC, who have played one game less, have free rein to climb over Ajax on Sunday.
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