In a revelation that has sent ripples through the football world, the head coach of Excelsior has voiced his astonishment at the surprisingly lax defensive pressure exhibited by Dutch giants Ajax, even within the hallowed grounds of the Johan Cruyff Arena. the candid assessment paints a concerning picture of a team that, by its own lofty standards, appeared to be offering opponents an almost unprecedented amount of time and space on the ball.

“That surprised me in a way,” the Excelsior coach admitted, referencing specific instances where Ajax players, including Josip Sutalo and Wout Weghorst, were observed applying minimal defensive pressure. You play against the big Ajax, in the Arena. When you see how much time and space you get to play football. A lot of time and space.

This observation, described as a very painful conclusion by a prominent Dutch sports reporter, raises critical questions about Ajax’s tactical approach and execution. When pressed on whether this defensive fragility is a recurring theme in the Eredivisie, the coach offered a comparative analysis that further underscored the issue.

“Yesterday (Saturday), we played against NAC,” the coach continued. “NAC did not put pressure on our goalkeeper, but they made sure that they were short everywhere in order to play the game. Last week Ajax put little or no pressure on the goalkeeper, but they also did not ensure that they could play games everywhere. Neither of them did it. I found that surprising. Last week it was an easier game for us than yesterday (Saturday) against NAC. NAC managed it much better.”

The stark contrast in defensive intensity between Ajax and NAC Breda, a team seemingly more adept at disrupting opposition build-up play, is a important talking point. It suggests that Ajax’s struggles are not merely a matter of facing a superior opponent, but rather a basic issue with their own defensive organization and pressing strategy.

The sentiment was echoed by Michel Breuer, Excelsior’s assistant coach and a veteran of over 600 professional matches. His perspective, rooted in extensive experience playing against Ajax in the Arena, adds significant weight to the coach’s claims.

“He has played 600 matches in professional football, and he said: with every club I have played with against Ajax in the Arena, I have never had so much time to play football.”
Michel breuer, Excelsior Assistant Coach

This powerful statement from Breuer, a seasoned professional, highlights the unusual nature of Ajax’s performance. For a player who has faced numerous iterations of the Amsterdam club, to experience such an abundance of freedom on the ball is a clear indicator of underlying problems.

what This Means for Ajax and the Eredivisie:

This candid assessment from the Excelsior camp serves as a stark warning for Ajax. In a league where tactical discipline and effective pressing are increasingly crucial, such a lack of defensive intensity can be exploited by any team, not just the conventional powerhouses. For American fans accustomed to the high-octane pressing of teams like Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool or Gregg Berhalter’s USMNT,the observed passive defending from Ajax is particularly jarring.

Potential Areas for Investigation:

• Tactical Adjustments: Are these defensive lapses a purposeful tactical choice, or
  A result of underperformance?
• Player Cohesion: Is a lack of communication or understanding among defenders contributing to the issue?
• individual Skill: Are individual players struggling to execute the coach’s defensive instructions or lacking the necessary athleticism?