Fred Grim only sees the message coming across at Ajax at half-time: ‘This is once again good for the perception of success’

“Of course Fortuna’s own goals helped us. We quickly fell behind 1-0. Of course you don’t want to start a match like that. But the fact that we turned it around was also our achievement. We continued to play football and after half-time we found the answer to Fortuna’s defensive style of play,” said Grim.

Relive: Ajax wins Fortuna for the second time in a row thanks to its own goals

Grim was able to put things in order in the locker room during the break. He admitted that his team did not play a great first half. “We tried way too often through the ashes. There Fortuna kept the lines well closed. By allowing a quick 1-0 you play into their hands. Then they can concentrate even more on defending. You can be happy that you still go into halftime with a 1-1 score.”

Grim had previously wanted to point out to his team that they had to look more on the flanks. During injury treatments for Wout Weghorst and Ivan Marquez, a large part of the team gathered along the line. “But it didn’t work. The players are then completely focused on that match. Only at halftime did the message get across.”

Owen Wijndal scores with a swirling long shot

That turned out to be the case. In the second half, Ajax only needed a few minutes to move towards the second victory in a row. Youri Regeer moved more into midfield. The strategy to lure Fortuna’s central defenders away from the center and thus create space worked well. Owen Wijndal took advantage of the space for the third Amsterdam goal. His fluttering shot from distance hit the target.

Feyenoord player Ayase Ueda turns De Kuip upside down and shows what the Dutch team can expect at the World Cup

Only in the catacombs did Grim realize that his team had won two matches in a row for the first time this season. “After Tuesday’s win over FC Groningen, this is once again good for the perception of success,” said Grim. “In recent days you noticed from everyone on the work floor what a victory does. There were smiling faces. That gives more energy to the players. You see that they are looser and more daring.”

Wout Weghorst injured from the field after tackle Shawn Adewoye

The second victory in a row was labeled ‘hard-fought’. Grim had expected that it would be a tough match. “Fortuna is physically very aggressive. Some of the players were pushing the limits on this slippery and wet field,” said Grim. The physical game took its toll. Mika Godts was groaning in the grass twice in the initial phase. Wout Weghorst was hit hardest. Shawn Adewoye hit him on the ankle during a tackle. The striker did not want to give up and continued to stagger for a while, but after a quarter of the game he had to be retired.

Grim could not say anything about the severity of his striker’s ankle injury. This will be further investigated on Sunday. It is therefore not yet clear whether he can play against Qarabag on Wednesday and/or against Feyenoord on Sunday. His replacement Kasper Dolberg barely lasted an hour. “In the final phase he stood exhausted near the corner flag. He needs match minutes, but is not allowed to play for Jong Ajax. It will take longer for him to get fully fit again.”

If Weghorst is still a doubt, Youri Baas will certainly miss that game due to suspension. He was booked twice and had to leave the field. “A heavy loss for the classic,” said Grim, who may be able to call on Josip Sutalo, who was not yet fit to compete in Sittard and was replaced by Aaron Bouwman.