ANPCarlos Forbs
NOS Voetbal•vrijdag, 17:02
Is Ajax ready for the confrontation with Vojvodina Novi Sad in the second preliminary round of the Europa League? That is the question and an answer cannot be given yet.
Six days before the first leg once morest the Serbian club, Ajax played a difficult friendly match once morest the Greek Conference League winner Olympiakos. Ajax did win, 1-0.
Hato sidelined as a precaution
Coach Francesco Farioli sent a completely different team onto the field in Driel, Gelderland, the day following the 2-1 victory over Al-Wasl, the champion of the United Arab Emirates. Defender Jorrel Hato was absent due to minor complaints as a precaution for the Amsterdam team.
In the centre of defence, Farioli had made room for 18-year-old Dies Janse, one of the positive surprises so far in the preparation. The Zeelander formed a duo with Croatian international Josip Sutalo.
Ajax line-up: Remko Pasveer; Devyne Rensch, Josip Sutalo, Dies Janse, Owen Wijndal; Kian Fitz-Jim, Jordan Henderson, Kenneth Taylor; Jaydon Banel, Chuba Akpom, Carlos Forbs.
Owen Wijndal, back from a loan adventure at Antwerp, might not enjoy his starting place for long. The left back injured his left arm in a duel with the Greek Georgios Masouras and had to leave the field.
Just before half-time, Ajax took the lead through Carlos Forbs: Kenneth Taylor won the ball in midfield, passed to Forbs and the Portuguese attacker finished.
Pasveer keeps the zero
After the break, Olympiakos, with several good substitutes, was much stronger, but goalkeeper Remko Pasveer kept the score at zero with several fine saves.
For the Greeks, the match was just the start of their preparations, while for Ajax it was the conclusion of the five-day training camp on the Wageningse Berg.
Next Thursday the season really starts once morest Vojvodina in the Johan Cruijff Arena. Steven Bergwijn and Brian Brobbey will not be there, just like today. The internationals are on holiday until 29 July.
Ajax preparation results
July 5: Ajax – PEC Zwolle 0-1
July 9: Ajax – STVV 4-0
July 13: Ajax – Rangers FC 2-1
July 18: Ajax – Al-Wasl 2-1
19 July: Ajax – Olympiakos 1-0
