Ajax Coach Addresses Maarten Paes Situation After Criticism from Van der Vaart

AMSTERDAM – Ajax Amsterdam coach John van ’t Schip addressed the recent criticism leveled at goalkeeper Maarten Paes following the team’s 3-1 defeat to Groningen on March 7th, and subsequent comments made by the Indonesian international. The remarks from Paes drew the ire of Dutch legend Rafael van der Vaart, who suggested the goalkeeper should return to the United States.

The controversy began after Paes expressed his disappointment with Ajax’s performance and lack of team cohesion following the loss at Euroborg stadium. “After falling behind 1-2, we didn’t show that we are a team. That hurts,” Paes said after the match, as reported by CNN Indonesia. He also took responsibility, stating he wasn’t placing blame on teammates but acknowledged the team’s collective failure.

Van der Vaart, speaking on the Rondo program on Ziggo Sport, reacted strongly to Paes’s comments. “I would send this goalkeeper straight back to, where he comes from, America?” Van der Vaart reportedly said, according to multiple sources including CNN Indonesia, and Suara.com. He criticized Paes for speaking out so soon after joining the club, suggesting he should focus on proving himself before offering such assessments. Van der Vaart also took issue with Paes’s demeanor on the field, describing him as running out of the penalty area and “scolding everyone.”

Van ’t Schip, during a press conference, acknowledged the situation and offered his perspective on Paes’s comments and the subsequent backlash. While he didn’t directly address Van der Vaart’s harsh words, he emphasized the importance of constructive communication within the team. “Maarten is a passionate player who cares deeply about the results,” Van ’t Schip stated, as reported by tvOneNews. “He was frustrated after the game, and he expressed his feelings. It’s significant that One can have open and honest conversations, but it’s also important that we do so internally.”

Paes, who joined Ajax in January 2026, has made four appearances for the club as of March 7th, 2026, according to Wikipedia. Prior to his move to Amsterdam, the 27-year-old spent four seasons with FC Dallas in Major League Soccer, making 114 appearances. He also has 10 caps for the Indonesia national team, having become eligible to represent the nation through his mother’s heritage.

The situation highlights the pressure Paes faces as a new arrival at a historically demanding club like Ajax. The Eredivisie side is currently navigating a challenging season, and the scrutiny on players is particularly intense. The club recently appointed Van ’t Schip as head coach, hoping to stabilize the team and restore its competitive edge.

Despite the criticism, Paes has shown glimpses of promise in his early appearances for Ajax. He recently secured a win in a league match, a positive step in his Ajax career, as reported by detiksport. However, consistency remains a key challenge for the goalkeeper, and he will demand to continue to develop his game to earn the trust of the fans and the coaching staff.

The incident also underscores the increasing scrutiny faced by footballers in the age of social media and instant commentary. Players’ words and actions are often amplified and dissected, leading to swift and sometimes harsh reactions.

Thom Haye, another player with Indonesian heritage who plays for Heerenveen, expressed his pride in Paes joining Ajax, according to Bolasport.com. Haye, who was born and raised in Amsterdam, highlighted the significance of a player with Indonesian roots representing such a prestigious club.

Looking ahead, Ajax will need to focus on improving its overall performance and building a stronger team spirit. Van ’t Schip will be crucial in fostering a positive environment and guiding the players through this challenging period. Paes, despite the recent controversy, remains an important part of the squad, and his development will be closely monitored. Ajax’s next match is scheduled for March 20th against Fortuna Sittard. The team will be looking to build on their recent win and climb the Eredivisie table.

The club recently confirmed that Paes’s position as starting goalkeeper remains secure, according to Bola.com, despite the change in management and the ongoing scrutiny. This provides some reassurance for the player and allows him to focus on his performance on the field.

While Paes may still have areas for improvement, as noted by MSN, his dedication and passion for the game are undeniable. He will need to continue to operate hard and demonstrate his commitment to the team in order to silence his critics and establish himself as a key player for Ajax.

The situation with Maarten Paes serves as a reminder of the complexities of professional football and the pressures faced by players at all levels. It will be interesting to see how he responds to the criticism and how his career unfolds at Ajax.

What’s next for Maarten Paes? He will be looking to solidify his position as Ajax’s starting goalkeeper and contribute to the team’s success in the Eredivisie and other competitions. Fans can follow Ajax’s official website and social media channels for the latest updates on Paes and the team.

What are your thoughts on the situation? Share your opinions in the comments below!