With just two games to go, a place in next season’s Champions League has become a very slim possibility, with Europa League qualification more likely.
While it hasn’t been the best of season’s after a difficult start, which saw John Heitinga sacked, the club has since rallied and started to gradually find some form at different points since the start of the year.
Having been appointed Under 23s manager, Oscar Garcia was quickly moved into the role of first team manager, albeit on an interim basis after previous interim manager Fred Grim left.
Since then, Garcia has implemented a style of play befitting his La Masia roots and everything looks encouraging, however, they are currently in fourth, one point behind NEC in third and six behind Feyenoord in second who have started to pull away.
Finding Form At The Right Time
A last gasp goal from breakout star Mika Godts gave the side a well-earned point at home to champions and fierce rivals, PSV Eindhoven which could well be the fuel they need for the run-in.
The chances of overtaking Feyenoord currently seem slim, though if Ajax win every game, there is a possibility, which would effectively make this a successful season on balance, considering where they were six months ago.
Currently, a Europa League place is the most likely, which wouldn’t be a complete disaster and also could be a good opportunity to really challenge in the continent’s ‘second’ club competition and which also has a respectable roll of honour.
A home game against Utrecht and a visit to Heerenveen should cement a place in the Europa League with it being highly unlikely that Feyenoord lose their last two games; all they need is a point.
The 2-1 home defeat against FC Twente at the start of April will be a game that likely still haunts the club, while their 3-1 away defeat to Groningen in March could also be seen as a missed opportunity to get crucial points on the board.
Second place at one point during the season looked achievable, though a hard to beat Feyenoord would have to lose against both AZ Alkmaar and PEC Zwolle, which is highly unlikely.
Key Players For The Run In
No doubt, the aim will be second, though ultimately, winning both games could see them realistically leapfrog NEC into third. For this to happen, they need to be defensively disciplined (something they’ve struggled with all season), while being clinical in front of goal.
Aforementioned Godts has transformed into a key player for Garcia’s side and is reportedly catching the interest of Barcelona, while Kasper Dolberg who is likely to depart this summer will want to finish on a high.
Josip Sutalo in the heart of defence, is arguably a standout name, though he has had a patchy season. When he is on form, Ajax generally do not concede and keeping two clean sheets will be a priority to mitigate any risk of falling outside a European qualification place.