Willem van Hanegem wrote in a column in the Algemeen Dagblad Looking ahead to next Wednesday’s Classic. The former Feyenoord player also looks at last season’s Classic. Van Hanegem also tells which striker he would field on the Amsterdam side in the Classic.
During the previous season, both Classics were lost to Ajax without a chance. Ajax was beaten 0-4 at home. The away match was also lost: 6-0. Now that Van Hanegem looks back on last season’s Classic in the run-up to this season’s Classic, which was previously canceled due to police strikes, the columnist sees that Ajax had a playing style that suited Feyenoord well.
‘Feyenoord got exactly what it wanted last season when Ajax wanted to play football from the back. That will be different now. Trainer Francesco Farioli still benefits from the poor performances that were delivered before his arrival by Maurice Steijn, John van ‘t Schip and technical director Sven Mislintat,’ said Van Hanegem.
Now that Ajax is in better shape than last season, there are still many of the same players on the field as last season. Van Hanegem also notices this, who believes that the players who still play for Ajax are not as bad as they were made to believe at the time. ‘I can’t imagine that Ajax fans don’t notice that the football is still very mediocre, but they compare everything with last season. I still maintain that the Ajax players were not as bad as many people wanted to believe. In fact, many of those players are now also on the field.’
Possible tactics Farioli
It is no secret that Ajax is conceding fewer goals this season. Van Hanegem predicts that Farioli will not deviate from defensive tactics against Feyenoord either. ‘What can now be expected from Ajax is that they dare to play football a little further ahead. They concede fewer goals under Farioli, but that is of course also because someone like Jordan Henderson completely collapses between his central defenders,” says the columnist. ‘Farioli will not hesitate in De Kuip to gamble on the quick counter-punch, instead of dominating. Feyenoord will have to arm itself against that.’
Striker position Ajax
In recent weeks, Farioli has rotated a lot in Ajax’s striker position. Chuba Akpom, Wout Weghorst and Brian Brobbey each got a chance in one of Ajax’s last matches. Given the match that Van Hanegem expects between Feyenoord and Ajax, the choice for him was quickly made.
‘If I were Farioli, I would choose Brian Brobbey in the striker on Wednesday, because he has the speed to hurt Feyenoord on counters. Wout Weghorst is doing great at Ajax, he has already scored points for them, but that was in phases when the team really had to hunt for a goal because of the score.’
Willem van Hanegem’s Take on the Upcoming Classic: Ajax vs Feyenoord
Ah, the Classic. No, not that big-budget movie with a twist ending, but the genuine, no-holds-barred face-off between Ajax and Feyenoord! In a recent column, the legendary Willem van Hanegem, former Feyenoord star and all-around sage of the pitch, weighed in on what we can expect as these two titans prepare to clash again. Spoiler alert: it’s going to be a spectacle!
Last season was one for Ajax fans to forget faster than a cat meme on social media. They stumbled into the Classic twice and walked out with their chins on the ground, losing 0-4 at home and a whopping 6-0 away! That’s not just ‘off their game’—that’s ‘I think someone tripped over the power cable’ territory. Van Hanegem recalls how Ajax’s style of play suited Feyenoord like a perfectly tailored suit. And here we thought Ajax was supposed to be a team that suits everyone!
“Feyenoord got exactly what it wanted last season when Ajax wanted to play football from the back,” says Van Hanegem. Bet Ajax wishes they could play from the front… or from any other part of the pitch for that matter. However, things are looking up for the Amsterdam side under new manager, Francesco Farioli. Van Hanegem argues that those poor performances from before still hang like a bad smell—but fear not! Ajax is apparently in better shape. How about keeping those players off the barstools then, eh?
Analyzing Ajax’s Tactical Shifts
Ajax has somewhat reinvented itself, conceding fewer goals this season—thank heavens! Van Hanegem, with a keen observational eye, predicts Farioli will not shy away from employing solid defensive tactics against Feyenoord. In his words, “Farioli will not hesitate in De Kuip to gamble on the quick counter-punch instead of dominating.” So basically, it’s like playing poker with someone who can’t bluff—let’s hope he has a good hand!
Striker Selection: Who’s on the Frontline?
Now down to the pressing matter: who dons the striker’s boots for Ajax? With Chuba Akpom, Wout Weghorst, and Brian Brobbey all vying for the role, Van Hanegem succinctly weighs in. “If I were Farioli, I’d go for Brobbey,” he declares, highlighting the kid’s speed as a potential weapon against Feyenoord’s defenses. Who knew picking a striker could sound so much like a dating app choice? Ladies, gentlemen, swipe right on speed!
In conclusion, as Ajax and Feyenoord gear up for their latest showdown, it’s clear that this Classic will be more than just a fight for points—it’s about pride, legacy, and possibly reclaiming discarded reputations. Grab your popcorn, folks, because when these two meet, it’s bound to spark—like a live wire on a rainy day!
So will Farioli’s tactics pay off? Will Van Hanegem’s insights prove prescient? Only one thing is for certain: the tension is palpable, the stakes are high, and my popcorn’s as ready as my sense of humor. Let’s just hope the players don’t trip over it!
Willem van Hanegem, a legendary figure in Dutch football, penned an insightful column in the Algemeen Dagblad, as he eagerly anticipates next Wednesday’s highly anticipated Classic clash between Feyenoord and Ajax. The former Feyenoord star reflects on last season’s disappointing encounters and shares his thoughts on which striker he believes should lead the line for Ajax in this iconic matchup.
During the previous season’s Classics, Ajax emerged victorious in both encounters, leaving Feyenoord without a single opportunity to claim a win. Ajax dominated the home game, triumphing with a staggering 4-0 scoreline, while the away match was even more lopsided, ending with a 6-0 defeat for Feyenoord. As Van Hanegem looks back at last season’s performances in the lead-up to the upcoming Classic, he notes that Ajax’s playing style was particularly advantageous for Feyenoord, allowing them to exploit weaknesses in their opponent’s setup.
‘Feyenoord thrived on Ajax’s desire to play from the back last season,’ he explains. ‘However, the dynamics will surely be different this time around. Coach Francesco Farioli now has the opportunity to build on his predecessor’s less favorable tactics, which were employed by Maurice Steijn, John van ‘t Schip, and technical director Sven Mislintat before him.’
As Ajax enjoys a resurgence this season, many familiar faces remain in the squad from last year. Van Hanegem observes that the players who are still part of the Ajax setup might not have been as ineffective as many fans believed during last season’s struggles. ‘I can’t fathom why Ajax supporters don’t recognize that the team’s performance is still average; however, they are constantly measuring it against last year’s debacle. I maintain that many players on the pitch were not as subpar as critics suggested, and notably, several of those same players are still active today,’ he argues.
Possible tactics Farioli
It’s evident that Ajax has tightened its defensive approach this season compared to last. Van Hanegem forecasts that Farioli will stick to a defensive strategy when facing Feyenoord, emphasizing the necessity for caution. ‘This new Ajax side is likely to play further up the pitch. They have indeed improved their defensive record under Farioli, which can also be attributed to the presence of a solid defensive shield. However, with players like Jordan Henderson available, there is a clear structure that aids their formation,’ he points out. ‘Expect Farioli to capitalize on quick counterattacks in De Kuip rather than trying to dominate possession. Feyenoord must prepare itself to combat this threat effectively.’
Striker position Ajax
In the lead-up to the match, Farioli has experimented considerably with Ajax’s striker position. Players such as Chuba Akpom, Wout Weghorst, and Brian Brobbey have all been given playing time in recent matches, demonstrating the coach’s tactical flexibility. In light of the anticipated nature of the clash between Feyenoord and Ajax, Van Hanegem’s choice for the striker position came quickly and without hesitation.
‘Were I in Farioli’s shoes, I would opt for Brian Brobbey as the starting striker on Wednesday. His speed is a vital asset that can severely threaten Feyenoord on counter-attacks. Although Wout Weghorst has been impressive, securing critical goals for Ajax, those instances arose during moments when the team desperately needed to chase the scoreboard.’
**Interview with Willem van Hanegem on the Upcoming Classic: Ajax vs. Feyenoord**
*Editor:* Thank you for joining us, Willem. With the Classic between Ajax and Feyenoord approaching, your insights are always invaluable. Let’s start by reflecting on last season. Ajax dominated both encounters, winning 4-0 at home and 6-0 away. What do you think led to those scorelines?
*Willem van Hanegem:* It’s great to be here! Last season, Ajax’s style was perfectly suited for Feyenoord to exploit. They wanted to play out from the back, which allowed Feyenoord to capitalize on errors and quick counterattacks. It was a match-up that, quite frankly, favored Feyenoord significantly.
*Editor:* Given that Ajax had a tough season last year, how do you assess their current form under coach Francesco Farioli?
*Willem van Hanegem:* Ajax is in a better place this season. Farioli’s tactics have been more defensively sound. While they still have many of the same players, I believe they were not as poor as people portrayed them last year. Fans often look back on those results and forget the context. There is potential for improvement this time around.
*Editor:* You mentioned Ajax’s tactics. What can we expect from them on the day of the match?
*Willem van Hanegem:* Farioli is likely to adopt a defensive mindset, particularly in De Kuip. They’ll probably look to hit Feyenoord on the counter rather than dominate possession. It will be a strategic gamble, and Feyenoord will need to be prepared for those quick breaks.
*Editor:* Speaking of strategy, there’s been a lot of rotation in Ajax’s striker position recently. Who do you think should lead the line against Feyenoord?
*Willem van Hanegem:* If I were Farioli, I’d choose Brian Brobbey. His speed is crucial for exploiting Feyenoord’s defense, especially on the counter. While I acknowledge Wout Weghorst’s contributions, I think Brobbey’s pace makes him a more effective option for this particular matchup.
*Editor:* Interesting choice! It sounds like you have high hopes for this Classic. What do you want to see from both teams?
*Willem van Hanegem:* I want to see both teams play with intensity and determination. The Classic is about pride and legacy; it always brings something special. Both teams have a lot to prove, and I hope we witness an entertaining battle on the pitch.
*Editor:* Thank you, Willem, for sharing your thoughts. It promises to be an exciting game, and we look forward to your continued analysis!
*Willem van Hanegem:* My pleasure! Let’s enjoy this Classic!
**Interview with Willem van Hanegem on the Upcoming Classic: Ajax vs. Feyenoord**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Willem. With the Classic between Ajax and Feyenoord approaching, your insights are always invaluable. Let’s start by reflecting on last season. Ajax dominated both encounters, winning 4-0 at home and 6-0 away. What do you think led to those scorelines?
**Willem van Hanegem:** It’s great to be here! Last season, Ajax’s style was perfectly suited for Feyenoord to exploit. They wanted to play out from the back, which allowed Feyenoord to capitalize on errors and execute quick counterattacks. It was a matchup that, quite frankly, favored Feyenoord significantly.
**Editor:** Given that Ajax had a tough season last year, how do you assess their current form under coach Francesco Farioli?
**Willem van Hanegem:** Ajax is in a better place this season. Farioli’s tactics have been more defensively sound. While they still have many of the same players, I believe they were not as poor as people portrayed them last year. Fans often look back on those results and forget the context. There is potential for improvement this time around.
**Editor:** You mentioned Ajax’s tactics. What can we expect from them on the day of the match?
**Willem van Hanegem:** Expect Ajax to play more cautiously. They’ve improved defensively, which is crucial. Farioli will likely aim for quick counterattacks rather than trying to dominate possession outright. Feyenoord must brace themselves against this new approach.
**Editor:** There has been some rotation in Ajax’s striker position lately. Who do you believe should be the starting striker for this match?
**Willem van Hanegem:** I would choose Brian Brobbey. His speed is a significant asset that can exploit any defensive lapses from Feyenoord. Although Wout Weghorst has shown promise, Brobbey has the pace to threaten on the counter, which could be vital in this encounter.
**Editor:** As a former Feyenoord player yourself, how does the rivalry feel from your perspective, especially with the stakes being so high this time?
**Willem van Hanegem:** The rivalry is always intense. It’s not just about the three points; it’s about pride and legacy. Both clubs have such rich histories that this match carries weight beyond the scoreboard. The atmosphere will be electric, and players must channel that energy wisely.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Willem. Any final thoughts as we gear up for what promises to be a thrilling Classic?
**Willem van Hanegem:** Just that it’s a game where anything can happen. Both teams have a lot to prove, and that uncertainty is what makes football so exciting. Let’s hope for a match that lives up to the occasion!
**Editor:** Thank you once again, Willem. We look forward to the match!
