Ajax’s interim coach hopes to gain the support of the crowd to create a lively European atmosphere together. He said so on Monday afternoon during the press conference in the build-up to the home match against Benfica. "As a team, we’re going for the win. That’s for sure, but we also need the fans’ support. Together, we want to make it an old-fashioned Champions League night."
Confidence
With zero points from the first four matches in the UEFA Champions League, Ajax have made a poor start to their European season. "We are looking for confidence,” Grim admitted. “And you can build confidence by winning matches."
Statistically, Mika Godts is still having a decent season. He has scored five times in the VriendenLoterij Eredivisie and provided five assists. The Belgian also sat behind the microphone on Monday in the Johan Cruijff ArenA. "Whether things are going well or badly, I try to do my thing. But I’ve said before that I’d rather win with the whole team."
Ajax will in any case still be without the injured Steven Berghuis against Benfica. "We’re looking at it week by week with Steven. It’s difficult to say anything about that right now."
Lucas Rosa is definitely back. The full-back missed the match against Excelsior, but is available for Benfica. "Yes, he can be there," Grim confirmed. "Anton Gaaei has trained, but we still have to wait and see what the medical staff say."
The Dane played for about an hour against Excelsior, but appeared to twist something near the touchline. He was immediately substituted by Kasper Dolberg, who made it 1–2 two minutes later. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough for the win.
Points for improvement
During Monday afternoon’s press moment, Grim reflected again on Saturday evening’s match. He listed what could have been better against Excelsior. "The tempo of the ball has to go up, we need to play forward earlier instead of sideways, and in front of the opponent’s goal we need proper occupation. There are plenty of players who can score. All of that was insufficient on Saturday."
The interim coach discussed with the group, both individually and collectively, what needed improvement after Excelsior. "For example, I thought both goals we conceded were real giveaways."
The squad itself is also working hard on this, Godts emphasised. "We talk a lot as a group. We’re trying to straighten things out. And the experienced lads also speak to everyone about the decisions made on the pitch."
“And we as the coaching staff like to see that,” Grim added. "I may be in charge, but it’s about the whole team. We make agreements together and as staff and squad we’ve committed to them. Then it’s only good that the group holds each other accountable as well."
‘Everything possible’
The next opportunity for Ajax to show improvement is against Benfica — a team who are struggling in Europe themselves and are also still waiting for their first point. "The Champions League is really important for us and even at this stage everything is still possible,” Grim said encouragingly. “But with José Mourinho as the opponent’s coach, you have to be prepared for anything, and we started working on that immediately yesterday."
