Play-off semi-final: Groningen stand in your way
Ajax face FC Groningen on Thursday in the Eredivisie European play-off semi-final, with a Conference League spot on the line. Groningen come into it with confidence after a strong ninth-place finish under Dick Lukkien, built around a young squad that has outperformed expectations (3). Your season now comes down to two matches. The first leg is everything.
Three defenders out, World Cup questions swirl
Josip Sutalo, Ko Itakura, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all missing for the semi-final through injury. The timing has raised eyebrows, with speculation the trio might be protecting themselves ahead of the World Cup (4). No confirmation either way, but losing three defenders at once hurts. Badly.
Garcia: Ajax can be Conference League favourites
Former coach Oscar Garcia believes Ajax should go all-in on the Conference League and sees you as potential favourites if you qualify (5). First, you need to get past Groningen. But the path is there.
Sneijder on Van de Beek and Klaassen: left too early
Wesley Sneijder says Donny van de Beek and Davy Klaassen both departed Ajax too soon. "Then you get snowed under," he said, pointing to how moves to bigger clubs can swallow talented players before they are ready (2). A familiar story.
Van Hanegem tips Correia for Ajax job
Willem van Hanegem has named Anthony Correia as an ideal coaching candidate for Ajax, impressed by his work at Telstar before his move to Utrecht. "He can make something of it," Van Hanegem said (6). One to watch.
Leeuwenburgh: "A big cross through my name"
Former Ajax youth keeper Peter Leeuwenburgh has opened up about his time in the academy, saying he felt permanently written off after a certain point. "After that, in my feeling, a big cross was put through my name at Ajax" (1). A sobering look at how brutal the talent pipeline can be.
Fan-reaktioner
The mood is tense heading into the Groningen tie. Fans are taking Groningen seriously after their impressive season under Lukkien, with many noting the squad's youth and development approach mirrors what Ajax once prided itself on. There is genuine concern about the defensive absences and what it says about player commitment ahead of the World Cup. Read more on Reddit.