André Onana has been suspended until November 4, but is allowed to train again with the selection of Ajax from September 4. The impending return of the suspended goalkeeper causes mixed feelings among the supporters of the Amsterdam club. Some fans believe that Onana should simply be drafted by trainer Erik ten Hag, while others believe that the keeper has let the club down by not wanting to renew his contract.
“It’s very ambivalent. One says ‘set up’, because the best keeper. The other thinks that Onana has abandoned the club,” explains Fabian Nagtzaam, chairman of the Ajax supporters’ association, in conversation with the club on Wednesday. NOS. Many fans find it strange that Onana does not want to extend his contract until 2022, especially since Ajax has always supported him during his suspension. “But that makes sense. Ajax will always stand behind employees. That’s a normal thing. Ajax has positioned itself neatly.“
Nagtzaam is already looking ahead to a possible return of Onana under the bar at Ajax. “If Onana stays, his return to the Johan Cruijff Arena will be greeted with skepticism. But everything stands or falls with the game. If Onana shows that she is the best, it will be good soon. You can also see that with Steven Berghuis. Of course he comes from Feyenoord. He will have to prove himself to get all the supporters behind him,” said the president of the supporters’ association, who, despite everything, believes that Onana should not be whistled.
“As supporters we must not forget what Onana has meant”, emphasizes Nagtzaam. “In the Europa League and in the Champions League in particular. He was – or is – a fantastic goalkeeper in the Ajax system. He really took points. Playing soccer and reflexes. We have enjoyed it for a long time.” It is the intention that Onana will report back to Ajax’s training field on Friday 3 September. Until then, the goalkeeper, led by individual trainer Yvan Castillo, will keep his condition up in Salou, Spain.
Onana has been refusing to give interviews about his situation at Ajax for some time. His manager Jordi Pasqual, however, wants to give a short reaction to the on Wednesday NOS. “He is fitter than ever. He trains every day and is ready to be back on the field.” Ten Hag will not write Onana off in advance, he said during Ajax’s training camp in De Lutte. “Onana is a keeper who has always performed very well for us, has developed very well and has a nice personality. I hope he comes back as soon as possible. The best goes goalkeeping.“