19 nov 2023 om 19:03 Update: 9 uur geleden
While Ajax Women showed decisiveness in the Champions League match they won, the team made an unconvincing impression in the league defeat against FC Twente (0-1) on Sunday. “The switch needs to be turned much faster.”
“We were not on in the first half,” Ajax coach Suzanne Bakker said afterwards. “Everything went at too slow a pace. Sometimes it even seemed a bit like nonchalance, but it wasn’t.”
Bakker’s team is in a completely different rhythm than before due to the midweek Champions League matches. “But that had no impact on this match. It is something new and we now have to learn to deal with it,” Bakker emphasized.
“Normally you have longer to process a victory or defeat. Now the time is shorter and that switch has to be turned much faster. That is something they have to get used to.”
Captain Sherida Spitse also noticed that the young Ajax still has to get used to the playing schedule. “Of course you have a tough match ahead of you, but that should not be an excuse. However, it is true that these are the most difficult matches and one moment can be fatal.”
‘It’s extra nice that you win here’
That one fatal moment was the beautiful goal by FC Twente striker Renate Jansen, who was still in front of the TV for Ajax’s Champions League match on Wednesday. “It’s extra nice that you win here,” she said.
Despite missing out on the Champions League, the veteran enjoyed the European stunt of the competitor from Amsterdam. “I think we should support the Dutch in Europe. They have just done very well and I wish them the best. I hope to see five more nice games from them.”
While Ajax had a dream start in the Champions League, FC Twente remains undefeated in the Eredivisie. “The season is still long, but it is nice that we keep a clean sheet here and have a five-point lead,” said Jansen. “For the championship, the football has to be even better.”
