Ajax manager Míchel finally saw the attacking football he wants this season in a 5-3 win over FC Sion. The Spanish coach immediately stressed afterwards that the defence must improve significantly.
Míchel spoke on Thursday night after the Conference League play-off round. "For me, the second half represents what we have in mind for Ajax this season," said the manager. He was very pleased with what his team showed in flashes. "But we really have to improve defensively and I really want to work on that."
According to Míchel, the three goals conceded were mainly due to poor attacking play. "I am sure: the better we attack, the better we defend," he explained. He noted the team lost some aggressiveness in certain phases. "That could also be down to me, because at one point I asked if they wanted to stand differently."
Arokodare makes his mark
In attack, Tolu Arokodare stood out. The striker, preferred over Marcos Leonardo, scored two goals. Míchel was satisfied with the contribution of the 1.97-metre tall Nigerian. "Tolu has incredible qualities inside the sixteen-yard box and that's why we signed him," said the coach. "He also brings good energy to the team."
The manager would not say if Arokodare now has a guaranteed starting spot. He compared the striker to other options. "Tolu influences positional play in a different way than Leonardo or Kasper Dolberg, for example."
Faith in Leonardo
Regarding Brazilian Marcos Leonardo, who did not score, Míchel remained positive. "I have confidence that he will score," responded the Spaniard. "He needs to feel that I have confidence in him."
At the press conference, Míchel also addressed the final days of the transfer window. Ajax is still looking for reinforcements. The club is actively searching for a 'number six' and a left winger. "And a third player who we can use in multiple positions," the manager stated. The club has until Monday, September 3rd at 00:00 to complete the squad. The upcoming league fixtures can be found on the fixtures page. The full squad composition is available in the squad overview.
The win over FC Sion puts Ajax in a good position for the return leg. Míchel's team must work hard on defensive organisation in the coming days.
