Ajax coach John van ‘t Schip ‘absolutely did not expect’ Steven Bergwijn’s red card: ‘It didn’t last today’

Ajax coach John van ‘t Schip ‘absolutely did not expect’ Steven Bergwijn’s red card: ‘It didn’t last today’ | Dutch football

Ajax seemed to lose to Excelsior for the first time ever in Amsterdam, but John van ‘t Schip’s team still managed to save a point against the Kralingers (2-2) thanks to a late goal. The trainer did not see it coming that Steven Bergwijn was presented with a red card in the first half. From that moment on, the game in the Johan Cruijff Arena turned upside down.

Feyenoord’s cup victory entitles them to fifth place to participate in the second qualifying round of the Europa League. Ajax is still fifth, but number six NEC can pass that position next weekend – with a win over AZ.

“You know in advance that you have to win this match,” says Van ‘t Schip. “You get a 1-0 lead, that’s actually what you want, even if you don’t play well. That penalty is then a turning point. According to the rules, it will be so. It is doubly difficult, even if there was contact.”

Referee Sander van der Eijk was called to the side by the VAR to review Steven Bergwijn’s foul on Mimeirhel Benita. Van ‘t Schip briefly thought about offside or perhaps a yellow card. But red? “I definitely didn’t expect that. Then you know it’s going to be difficult.”

“We are really disappointed, we know we have to win this match,” the coach continued his story. “If you look at how the match is going, a point is still something. In terms of mentality they fought well. But didn’t care.”

Injury Brobbey

Brian Brobbey dropped out again with hamstring problems. The striker continues to suffer from physical discomfort. “It’s crazy. There is nothing wrong all week and he is training well. During the match it happens again. It started with some stiffness during the first half. He later indicated that he could not continue. Then it ends,” says Van ‘t Schip.

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