A day before the match against Olympique Marseille, unrest still dominates around Ajax. The Amsterdam team is not doing well in terms of sport and the investigation by technical director Sven Mislintat puts an even bigger bomb under the club. “It’s all a distraction,” says coach Maurice Steijn in the run-up to the Europa League clash.
“The only thing I thought is that it distracts from what we have been doing since Sunday. And that is preparing,” Steijn said at the press conference, which was mainly focused on Mislintat’s involvement in Sosa’s transfer. “I didn’t speak to him (Mislintat, ed.). We saw each other briefly. What I thought was more important is how Borna looked in it.”
Experienced prof
Following the reports and the investigation into the left back’s transfer, Steijn took his player aside. “The most important thing is that he is ready for tomorrow. He seemed calm. He is an experienced professional, Croatian international. I can imagine that it does something to him, but he is just going to play tomorrow.”
Steijn finds Ajax’s dramatic start to the competition (five points from four games) and the unrest surrounding Mislintat very annoying. “For me it is all distracting. And that also applies to the players. You are going through a difficult and troubled period. After two days you get the match against Twente, which you rightfully lose. Then you have to lick the wounds. It is the It’s up to me and the staff to keep the peace and manage everything.”
Unrest in Marseille
Although Ajax is in dire straits, opponents Olympique Marseille are also uneasy. Coach Marcelinho is under considerable fire and the French club announced during Ajax’s press conference that he is leaving. “It is a good opponent where there are some things going on with the trainer. We want to put on a good match tomorrow in a swirling Arena. I want to see an Ajax with flair, with charisma and fun.”
The Ajax – Olympique Marseille match starts tomorrow evening at 9 p.m. in the Johan Cruijff Arena.