Ajax News Round-up: Ten Hag, Women’s CL and Latest Updates
Erik ten Hag has expressed ambition to coach a national team in the future, though he intends to remain technical director at FC Twente for at least two years, according to NOS WK Avond. This development comes alongside the finalization of the Eredivisie schedule and the Women’s Champions League draw for Ajax.
What are Erik ten Hag’s future coaching goals?
Ten Hag told NOS WK Avond he would aspire to lead a national team if the right opportunity arises. He noted that while he is not leaving his current role at FC Twente for two years, he remains open to a future appointment based on conditions and the potential to win with a specific group of players.
The FC Twente official revealed that multiple countries have approached him in the past. These include one European nation and one country located outside of Europe, according to Ten Hag.
When does Ajax start the new season?
The Eredivisie and Keuken Kampioen Divisie have finalized their schedules as of Tuesday afternoon. Ajax is scheduled to begin its season on Sunday, August 9, with an away match against PEC Zwolle.
Jong Ajax will start its campaign earlier, playing FC Dordrecht on Friday, August 7. These dates align with the previously published concept programs, according to official competition channels.
How does the Women’s Champions League path look for Ajax?
Ajax Women will face Brøndby IF on Wednesday, August 5, in Nyon, Switzerland. This second qualifying round match is a single-game elimination, according to the draw conducted Thursday.
A victory would advance trainer Anouk Bruil’s squad to the mini-tournament final on Saturday, August 8. There, they would play the winner of the match between Slavia Prague and Rangers WFC. If Ajax wins that final, they could advance to the third and final qualifying round on August 26 and September 2.
What changes are coming to the Johan Cruijff ArenA?
The main entrance of the Johan Cruijff ArenA is undergoing renovations, according to AT5. The viaduct’s underside has been painted red and white and now features lighted Andreaskruisen.
The project includes murals of Johan Cruijff and former mayor Eberhard van der Laan, along with Amsterdam’s motto: “heldhaftig, vastberaden en barmhartig.” Director Tanja Dik previously indicated that portraits of various Ajax legends may be added to the pillars.
What other developments are affecting the squad?
Josip Sutalo faced criticism from Mike Verweij and Valentijn Driessen on a De Telegraaf podcast following Croatia’s 4-2 loss to England. Verweij stated Sutalo’s performance mirrored his season at Ajax, while Driessen described the play as “dramatic.”
Meanwhile, Steven Berghuis told NOS WK Avond that Belgium could have benefited from using Mika Godts as a “joker” during their 0-1 loss to Egypt. Analyst Kenneth Perez added that Godts would be an ideal option if he can maintain his Ajax-level performance in a higher-intensity international environment.
Ajax is also likely to play a friendly match on Friday, July 10, at the VV Hulshorst complex. RTV Nunspeet reports that the club is awaiting a permit for the match, which follows a training camp in Garderen starting the week of July 6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will Ajax Women play in the second qualifying round of the Champions League?
Ajax Women will play against Brøndby IF on August 5 in Nyon.
When is the first Eredivisie match for Ajax?
Ajax begins its season on Sunday, August 9, with an away game at PEC Zwolle.
What did Erik ten Hag say about coaching a national team?
He stated he would aspire to the role in the future, though he does not plan to leave FC Twente for the next two years.
Which of the upcoming stadium renovations do you think will have the biggest impact on the fan experience?