At the start of November, many Ajax fans probably feared the worst. Having just sacked manager John Heitinga, they were struggling in Eredivisie and bottom of the Champions League table. To say things looked bleak would be an understatement.
Fred Grim, who was installed as interim manager has helped to steady the ship and, despite a couple of worrying results, it has since been confirmed that he will stay on until the end of the season.
The club’s league form has seen them close the gap on second-placed Feyenoord to just two points and there should be confidence that they can overtake them. Leaders PSV Eindhoven are just too far ahead (by 18 points); a league title looks inevitable.
A Respectable Turnaround
The club has claimed some crucial wins in the league and, from the end of November started to put together a good run of form, which has seen them win four (including a crucial victory over Feyenoord) and drawn three.
Significantly, the club’s Champions League fortunes have had a turnaround. After two straight wins, they find themselves within touching distance of a play-off place that looked unlikely three months ago.
Their most recent European victory; a 2-1 away scoreline over Villarreal showcased their ability to dig deep and get a result in a tough atmosphere, scoring the winner right at the end. It was also much-needed.
Prior to this, they hadn’t won in two games; previously drawing 2-2 at home to Go Ahead Eagles after a 6-0 demolition against AZ Alkmaar away in the last 16 of the KNVB Cup; essentially putting an end to any realistic hopes of winning silverware this season.
Grim has had to manage his squad in the January transfer window as well, while dealing with rumours. One that did come to fruition was the departure of Kenneth Taylor, who moved to Lazio for €16.85 million.
There is hope that some of that can be used to bring in one or two and it is understood club chiefs are negotiating with Oleksandr Zinchenko’s representatives and Arsenal over a permanent move, while former Gunners’ defender Takehiro Tomiyasu joined in December on a free transfer.
@fabrizioromanoZinchenko to Ajax, here we go! 🚨🇺🇦♬ suono originale – Fabrizio Romano
Meanwhile, Jordi Cruyff officially joins in February as Technical Director and it will be interesting to see the amount of influence he has had on transfers so far.
A Big Couple Of Weeks Ahead
Over the next few weeks the club will hope that they can take advantage of any slip-up from Feyenoord. Second-place has to be the target now and they need to eradicate any defensive mistakes that AZ ruthlessly took advantage of.
It’s “must-win” game on January 28 in the Champions League against Olympiakos, who occupy the last remaining play-off spot on goal difference. All they can do is win and hope other results go their way.
To advance in the competition would be huge, considering where they were a few months ago and with hard work and a little bit of luck the club go on a good run if they progressed to knock-out football.