After the narrow 1-0 victory over FK Vojvodina, Francesco Farioli can look back on his baptism of fire as Ajax coach with mostly positive feelings. The Amsterdammers showed dominant play at times and, especially in the first half, failed to take an advance on the third preliminary round of the Europa League. The General Daily Newspaper an upward trend was noticed. “Farioli showed that he could serve better soup with the same ingredients.”

After a difficult opening phase in which Remko Pasveer in particular made a hesitant impression, Ajax took control. This was also seen by the AD. “In the second quarter, Farioli’s team really tightened the reins. The ball went easily and often in one go from foot to foot, which resulted in a shooting gallery. Kenneth Taylor, Carlos Forbs, Kian Fitz-Jim, Christian Rasmussen, Chuba Akpom; they all fired on the goal of the number 4 of the Serbian league several times in vain.”

In the second half Ajax were less present. Just after the break it was Vojvodina who took the initiative, and the Amsterdammers got away with it after a ball hit the post by substitute Aleksa Vukanovic. AD acknowledges that Ajax also had opportunities (outside the goal), but mainly clings to the first half.

“Farioli, who has not complained once about the lack of reinforcements, had only five basic players from last season and added a handful of footballers who were already (once) heading for the exit”, it is written. The verdict on Farioli: “Certainly before half-time he showed that he can serve a better soup than his predecessors with the same ingredients.”

'Most surprising bunny' makes an impression

It AD calls all the surprises in the starting eleven on Thursday 'rabbits from Farioli's hat'. Youri Baas in particular, who started on the left in the centre of defence, is given nice words.

“He was perhaps the most surprising bunny,” it said. AD. “Left defender Baas, who held more offensive positions at NEC last season (left back and left winger, ed.), also proved to be very reliable in the centre of defence.”

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