Kenneth Taylor and Jorrel Hato know their way around a game controller, but how do they stack up against real pros? In various game modes of EA SPORTS FC 25, the Ajax players compete with and against E-sports player Levi de Weert and his coach Nick den Hamer. "Kenneth finally knows that I’m better."
A day after securing a place in the last sixteen of the UEFA Europa League, Francesco Farioli reflected on a European night full of extremes that ultimately ended well for Ajax. The coach also shared his thoughts on the draw for the round of sixteen and the upcoming Eredivisie match: a home game against Go Ahead Eagles on Sunday
Ajax will take on German side Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16, as determined by Friday’s draw in Nyon.
Ajax has survived a nerve-wracking and thrilling battle against Union Saint-Gilloise. The Amsterdam side quickly fell 0-2 behind and was reduced to ten men, but a converted penalty by Kenneth Taylor in extra time secured a ticket to the last sixteen of the UEFA Europa League.
Kenneth Taylor secured Ajax’s place in the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League with a well placed penalty. After the match, the midfielder praised the fighting machine that Ajax has become. “Everyone has a really strong mentality. We’ve shown that not just today, but in other matches as well.”
Goalkeeper Remko Pasveer had a hoarse voice after the bizarre match at the Johan Cruijff ArenA between Ajax and Union Saint-Gilloise. Ajax played with ten men for the majority of the match but fought their way to the next round. "We fought like lions to achieve this result."
Ajax have won the tumultuous return leg against Union Saint-Gilloise on aggregate. The match in the Johan Cruijff ArenA ended 1-2, 3-2 on aggregate. Kenneth Taylor converted a penalty from the spot, scoring on behalf of Ajax in extra time.
After successfully overcoming Union Saint-Gilloise, Ajax will face either Olympique Lyon or Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16. The draw for the next round will take place on Friday at 13:00 CET.
On Wednesday afternoon, Ajax trained at their own training complex, De Toekomst, in preparation for the match against Union Saint-Gilloise, braving the freezing conditions. Following the earlier press conference with Francesco Farioli and Davy Klaassen, the training session was open to the attending media for fifteen minutes.
Davy Klaassen reached the magical milestone of 100 goals for Ajax against Heracles. A few days after this achievement, Remko Pasveer and Steven Berghuis played a prank on the midfielder. After training, Klaassen returned to his car to find it filled with 100 footballs. "I didn't noticed it at all."
These are good weeks for Ajax, with the top spot in the Eredivisie and a strong position in the UEFA Europa League play-off round. However, both Francesco Farioli and Davy Klaassen remain cautious about excessive positivity and potential complacency. "Every day, we keep emphasizing that success doesn’t come automatically."
Kian Fitz-Jim's goal against Galatasaray was voted for the best goal of January. The midfielder expected the award. "I think this one is well deserved." Goal of the Month is powered by Curaçao.