Pitch conditions
The journalists in attendance brought up the pitch, which had been in the news in recent days but was made playable just in time for Thursday evening. "I didn’t see much grass," Berghuis said with a laugh. "I’ve seen better pitches. I once played here with the Dutch national team, and back then it was in better condition. We’ll have to take it into account and find a way to win the match."
"Both teams will be affected by it. It’s unfortunate that this is the case at this stage of the Europa League because we’ve worked incredibly hard to get here. But again, it is what it is. During the warm-up, we’ll have to feel it out and adapt. We need to bring a good result back to Amsterdam," the player added.
Farioli was equally clear. "We have to be ready, as Berghuis says. Unfortunately, it’s not the first time we’ve had to play on a pitch like this lately. They will also struggle with it. My main concern is the fitness of the players because we’ve already paid the price, with Jordan Henderson after Sunday and Branco van den Boomen after the away match against RFS Riga."
Reality check
On their way to Brussels, the Ajax squad learned that the match would indeed take place at the Koning Boudewijn Stadium. "Our preparation changed slightly after yesterday’s news, but once we heard on the bus that we were playing here, we had to adapt again. UEFA said yesterday that it wasn’t possible, and today they say it is, so we play. We have to accept it—this is the reality."
"In Sittard, we adjusted our game plan based on the pitch conditions, and it worked. I’m happy with how we started that match. As the game progressed, my players handled it well and got the result," Farioli continued. Henderson did not come out of the match in Sittard unscathed. "He’s doing well and making good progress. Sunday will be difficult, but perhaps he can return for the home match against Union Saint-Gilloise next week."
Will the Italian coach rest players on Thursday due to the pitch? "Everyone who has traveled is fit and ready to play."
Tactical adjustments
In addition to Henderson, midfielder Van den Boomen has also not traveled to Brussels. Farioli was asked who would play in the defensive midfield role. "You know that problem-solving is my thing. I have options."
He was also questioned about the number nine position, now that Wout Weghorst is injured and Chuba Akpom has left. "We need to be creative. But with our current attacking players, we have options."
Could Berghuis fill that role? "If I’m asked to, I’ll do it. For the left-wing position, I’ve even asked my father for tips. I can get into crossing positions more quickly compared to playing as a right winger," Berghuis responded, before touching on the absence of his captain. "Whenever he doesn’t play, we feel it. On the ball, he connects the play well, his power is a real asset, and his leadership is valuable. I hope he’s back soon."
Union Saint-Gilloise
And finally, looking ahead to Thursday’s opponents: Union Saint-Gilloise. Farioli is well aware of their strength. "They are a very physical and strong team. They play with a lot of intensity and win many duels. It’s a team that plays with two strikers up front, which always makes things tricky. They press high, and I have great respect for what they are achieving."
The coach is pleased with how his team has held its own against physical opponents this season. "My players have consistently shown the same intensity and power. This team has proven that it can adapt to any circumstances. Of course, the pitch could be a challenge tomorrow, but it cannot be an excuse to deviate from our playing style. It will be a tough match, and we need to step onto the pitch with everything we have."
