The translated view from Holland, from Algemeen Dagblad:-
Ajax's disastrous season gets a new chapter with a defeat at Aston Villa in the Conference League
A dramatic Ajax ended the disastrous season in European context in complete 'style'. Due to four goals conceded, a red card and three injuries, the team from Amsterdam ended up with a shameful score against Aston Villa: 4-0.
About 2,100 Ajax fans travel back to the Netherlands after yet another poor performance by their club, knowing that they have nothing to look forward to this season, but only something to fear. The number five of the Eredivisie kept pace with the number four of the Premier League at the swirling Villa Park, but after a disastrous second half, they have to take even more serious account of an annoying barrage in the form of play-offs at the end. of the season.
This was also seen by Alex Kroes, the new general manager who, a few hours before his official first working day started, was able to see not on a screen but from an English stadium how far his club had slipped in terms of sport. If he wrote down action points, one sheet of paper would not have been enough for him. It is possible to note down names that can still be used after this season to help shape a new successful team.
In summary, Kroes must provide a team that will have killer instinct on both sides. And not, as was the case for almost a year and a half, only for the enemy's goal, or as was the case in the 5-4-1 formation, only for our own goal. But just like against Fortuna Sittard, that defensive stability also turned out to be short-lived.
