Quincy Promes will return to the match selection for the Ajax – Getafe Europa League match. This is what coach Erik ten Hag announced during the press conference. On the other hand, Hakim Ziyech will not be available to play.
The player recently returned from a calf injury, but was forced to pass up last Sunday’s game against Heracles Almelo. He will also have to miss the return game against Getafe.
“Hakim was able to play the game against Getafe without any problems. After that, problems arose again. He’s still not good enough. In addition to that, we don’t want to take risks just for one game. An important phase in the competition is coming.”
Promes returns to selection
But Ten Hag had positive news about Promes. Ajax’s club top scorer will be able to play against Getafe. Whether or not he would play from the start of the game was unclear. Ten Hag emphasized that the forward wasn’t at risk. “If players are in the match selection, that means they’re fit enough to play.”
First game
During the press conference, the first game in Madrid was discussed. Ajax lost to Getafe by 2-0 and, according to Ten Hag, this needn’t have happened.
“We have to be less opportunistic and just play our own game. On Thursday, we’ll need to hang onto the ball better and we’ll need to be patient. We have the attributes and technical skills to hurt Getafe.”
According to the coach, the Spaniards played well last week. “I thought they went above and beyond. They had power. And now we know where our opportunities lie, as well as the threats.
Onana confident
Keeper Andre Onana, who was at the press conference as well, was very confident for the return game. The Cameroon-born player was forced to miss the first game due to a suspension.”
“We are not afraid. We’ve been training at a high level every day, and we are good. As a team, we don’t need to fear anyone.”
Ten Hag counting on support from own fans
Finally, Ten Hag spoke about support from his own fans. The coach expects that the Ajacieds will create a great atmosphere in the stadium, to help give the team the last push.
“European evenings in the ArenA are special. With the support of our crowd and our own skills, we should be able to achieve something great. It’s a nice circle. Thanks to support from the crowd, we can surpass ourselves because of the positive vibe in the stadium. The players get very motivated by this.”