Full focus on fit selection
The stakes for the return against Panathinaikos are clear. “We can qualify for the play-offs of the Europa League and secure European football,” Francesco Farioli also realizes, who can count on a fit selection in the Johan Cruijff Arena.
“We also want to make steps in our development. Panathinaikos comes here with a full week of preparation. It is a team with a lot of physicality and quality. We know all possible scenarios and have to be vigilant. But I notice that the team spirit and focus are great. The players are very motivated. Immediately after the match against sc Heerenveen, their thoughts were already with Panathinaikos.”
Steven Bergwijn is part of the match selection for the first time. He can play a role where necessary. Brian Brobbey and Bertrand Traoré are already further in their fitness, but are not yet expected in the starting line-up. Despite the fact that there was a lot of rotation in the last matches, the trainer knows how to grind a clearer structure into it.
The results are positive, but the outside world also remains critical. Does Farioli think he gets enough appreciation for the process the group is going through? “For me, the most important thing is to feel the appreciation of the players. They have to make the difference on the field,” says the trainer.
Recommended
Farioli refutes criticism of line-up: ‘I always start with the best eleven’
By bus to the Johan Cruijff Arena
The observant supporter will have noticed: the Ajax selection has also been arriving at the Johan Cruijff Arena by player bus for home games in recent weeks. In previous seasons, the players would often drive up to the Arena deck in their own cars a few hours before the game. We at Ajax Life asked Farioli if this is a new rule.
“Yes, that is an agreement,” the coach confirmed. “’We want to create a feeling and atmosphere that we are going to matches together. That is why we have decided to have a number of meetings at De Toekomst. A place where we spend extra time and that also feels familiar. We leave our cars in the morning at the Johan Cruijff Arena and then move a few hundred meters to the training complex. Before the match, we come back by bus.”
Everything for the good feeling. We can appreciate that Farioli leaves nothing to chance. The coach is obsessed with the game and seems to be able to convey that passion to the group well. Small details – such as arriving by bus – are also important.
Recommended
Berghuis: ‘I feel myself getting stronger every day, week and match’
Alonso studies Farioli
Diego Alonso, the coach of Panathinaikos, labels Ajax as the favorite to advance. He said this at the closing press conference in the Johan Cruijff Arena. That does not alter the fact that the coach has prepared himself down to the last detail. In fact, he has immersed himself thoroughly in his colleague coach Farioli.
“I heard that the Ajax manager saw some of my games at Sevilla, but I also saw his games from his time in France,” Alonso said. “I wanted to see how he coaches and how he reacts when the team is winning or losing. We both have a lot of information.”
Two well-prepared coaches. Alonso certainly sees opportunities for his team, but calls Panathinaikos the underdog. “I know what Ajax’s good and bad points are. It’s a team that makes few mistakes. Ajax always wants to be the dominant team, but so do we. We have to press high and play vertically. Ajax plays with a new concept, but they always want to have the ball and press. That’s why I say Ajax is the favorite.”
Where then are the chances for the Greeks? “We have to do the same things as in Athens, as we did after those first 25 minutes. They didn’t start as we expected. Ajax didn’t give us any space, but in the end we turned it around.”
Ajax and Panathinaikos kick off on Thursday at 20:15 in the Johan Cruijff Arena. The match will be led by British referee Chris Kavanagh.
Recommended
Farioli’s Eleven: Do you choose the Eleven from Athens or do you make changes?
