Amsterdam – A shakeup is underway at Dutch football giants Ajax Amsterdam, as interim manager Óscar García appears set to make significant changes to the squad. Taking the reins following the dismissal of Fred Grim, García is reportedly prepared to bench several established players, signaling a clear intent to revitalize the team’s performance. The situation at Ajax is fluid, and these changes reach at a critical juncture for the club.
García to Drop Klaassen, Weghorst, and Berghuis, Reports Suggest
According to a column published in De Telegraaf, García’s immediate focus is on removing Davy Klaassen, Wout Weghorst, and Steven Berghuis from the starting lineup. Journalist Valentijn Driessen asserts that the interim manager recognizes the need for decisive action, particularly given the recent performances of these players. Driessen wrote that anyone observing Ajax after their match against FC Groningen could notice the issues, stating their contributions “even smelled of sabotage.”
The criticism leveled at the trio extends beyond on-field performance. Driessen highlighted an incident following the Groningen match where Berghuis reportedly displayed a lack of composure and respect towards officials, and that none of the three players were willing to address the media post-match, with captain Klaassen only briefly appearing for a required broadcast appearance. This perceived lack of accountability has reportedly fueled García’s decision.
A Shift in Training Regimen
García’s approach extends beyond personnel changes. Reports indicate a significant shift in training methodology at Ajax. Skye Vink, son of ESPN analyst Marciano Vink, described the new regimen as a departure from the norm, noting the elimination of traditional free days and an increased emphasis on tactical drills and pattern play. “It’s a whole different way of training,” Vink said. “The free days are completely gone. We’ve been at the club for 2.5 weeks already. A lot of walking football. It’s very tactical, stamping patterns into us. It’s not very heavy, but you have to be mentally present.”
García himself has emphasized the importance of a strong mentality and a relentless work ethic. Speaking to Voetbal International, he stated his expectation that players progressing to the first team should do so with a “fighting mentality,” constantly striving to earn their place. He believes that making it too easy for players to reach the first team can lead to complacency and ultimately hinder their development. “It shouldn’t be so easy to secure into the first team,” García explained. “Because then you get there and become a little lazy, because it wasn’t so hard to achieve. That’s already the first problem, then players come back and it becomes difficult.”
Ajax, founded in 1900, is one of the most successful clubs in Dutch football history, boasting 36 Eredivisie titles and a record 20 KNVB Cups. The club currently competes in the Eredivisie, the top tier of Dutch football, and plays its home matches at the Johan Cruyff Arena, which has a capacity of 55,865. The club’s current chairman is Menno Geelen.
The changes being implemented by García reflect a broader attempt to address the team’s recent struggles and restore a winning mentality. The decision to sideline experienced players like Klaassen, Weghorst, and Berghuis is a bold move, but one that García believes is necessary to inject new energy and accountability into the squad.
Moet hij dit doen?
Ajax’s next match is yet to be confirmed, but the club will undoubtedly be looking to quickly turn their fortunes around. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether García’s changes can spark a resurgence for the Amsterdam-based club. Fans will be watching closely to see if the new approach can deliver results and restore Ajax to its former glory.
