needs more time to adapt in the Netherlands, he admits in a candid interview with the NOS. According to the criticized summer signing, who came over from Dinamo Zagreb with much fanfare, there are several reasons why he looks so hesitant. Sutalo is confident that he can show the best version of himself next season.
“I’m doing great. It was more difficult at first, but I’m used to it here now,” says Sutalo. “The thought of playing for Ajax immediately appealed to me. It is a big club with a great history. I had a very clear plan.
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Still, it was difficult for Sutalo to get used to Ajax, but also to life outside Croatia. “I had difficulty with the adjustment,” he admits. “It was the first transfer I ever made, to a country with a language I didn’t know. I am also someone who needs a little more time for that. Off the field I am a quiet and more withdrawn person. I have my own circle of people within whom I feel safe.”
In addition, the 24-year-old defender did not end up in a staggered position at Ajax. “We as a team were not at the desired level at the time, with many new players who came in and had to adapt. That also affected my performance,” says Sutalo.
The central defender could not become a focal point in Ajax’s rearguard and eventually became one of the most criticized players of the Amsterdam team. “My performance was not as expected,” Sutalo realizes. “The criticism sometimes hurts, of course, but I am a professional and I have to be able to deal with it. The most important thing is what people at the club and my teammates think.”
Next season, however, the Croatian international hopes to show the ‘real’ Sutalo to the Netherlands. “My goal is to show the best version of myself and help the team. This season was not ideal for Ajax, but we aim for it to be better next year and to bring Ajax back to where it should be. I believe that is also the case. in.”
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