The former defender has now worked for Ajax for 12.5 years, where she helped set up the women’s team and is now the technical director. Ajax Women is now in its thirteenth season.
“If I am very honest, I notice fatigue in myself,” says Koster on Ajax’s club channels. “Energy leaks away and that has consequences for your actions.”
‘Recovery moment’
“Disappointments that have to do with expectations you have yourself hit harder,” Koster explains. “Then you can stay on that path and not act on it, or you can recognize that it is there and look for a recovery moment.”
Koster will therefore not be seen on De Toekomst for the next six months. “That will do me good and I think I can come back even stronger than I already am.”
According to Koster, her employment at the club has not always been easy so far. “We were happy that we could play at Ajax as women, but we came to a club that was not inclusive. Many people also thought that we should be grateful.”
Coach change
Last season, Koster made a striking decision by not continuing with then coach Suzanne Bakker, precisely in the season in which the team managed to hibernate in the Champions League for the first time. Ajax ultimately finished second in the Premier League.
Bakker made way for Hesterine the Giant. Under the current coach, Ajax did not get through the preliminary round of the Champions League this season. Ajax Women currently occupies second place in the Premier League.