On Wednesday afternoon, the coach joined Jorrel Hato in the press room of the Johan Cruijff ArenA to preview the final game of the Europa League League Phase. "If we were to play that match in Riga a hundred times over, we would probably win it 97 or 98 times. The most frustrating part is that the defeat has shut the door to the top eight," Farioli reflected once more on the FC RFS match.
Open Match
With his team’s positive response after the defeat in mind, the Italian expects an open game against the current number one in the Turkish league. "Of course, I won’t reveal our game plan, but I believe both teams will go all out for the win. That means an open game. We know how physical Galatasaray can be, but they also have a lot of technical quality."
The team, managed by Okan Buruk, remains unbeaten in their domestic league after 20 matches. In the League Phase, the Turkish side sits ninth and still has a chance to break into the top eight, securing direct qualification for the tournament’s knockout phase.
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"Galatasaray has a fantastic team. They dominate their league and have been working with the same core group of players for years. That includes goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and midfielder Lucas Torreira. I have also worked with a few of their players, such as Berkan Kutlu. It will be a big challenge for us to face Galatasaray—we will have to be at our very best."
Watching from home
Hato echoed his coach’s words. The left-back missed the FC RFS match due to suspension and had to watch from the Netherlands as his teammates suffered defeat in Latvia. "It wasn’t a good result," Hato admitted. "You don’t feel great watching from home. It’s not necessarily about revenge against Galatasaray, but we do have the chance to do better. It’s an important week, regardless."
With that, the defender immediately pointed to Sunday’s fixture: De Klassieker. Although Hato understands how much this match means to Ajax supporters, he refused to look beyond the upcoming clash with Galatasaray. The coach also made it clear that the team’s full focus remains on Thursday evening. "We take it one game at a time. The focus is entirely on Galatasaray—not yet on Feyenoord."
And so, the press conference discussion quickly returned to Thursday’s match. For Farioli, it is an interesting fixture, having spent three years coaching in Turkey with Alanyaspor and Karagümrük. "I still feel a connection with the country. I enjoy watching the Turkish league—especially at weekends, I like to watch matches involving the clubs I’ve worked at. We also have a Turkish coach (Osman Kul) on our staff, so yes, I definitely still feel a bond with Turkey."
After discussing the Galatasaray fixture and the FC RFS defeat, attention turned to the transfer window. The European market remains open until Monday, while the Dutch market has an extra day. Among the topics raised was Farioli’s relationship with technical director Alex Kroes and whether he enjoys coming to Ajax every day.
Good coffee
"I come here every day with a big smile. The coffee is good, and that’s important," he joked. "But seriously, Ajax’s financial situation is well known and dictates the decisions we make. Alex and I don’t always have to agree on everything, and it’s natural that discussions take place. But we are completely aligned on the bigger picture."
"I also admire his work ethic and love for the club," Farioli continued. "In that sense, we are quite similar. Maybe that’s why he chose me as Ajax’s head coach. There is no frustration or drama between us."
However, the Italian did acknowledge that he would like Ajax to sign a right-back following the departure of Devyne Rensch to AS Roma last week. "In an ideal world, Rensch would still be here. We now have a gap at right-back. Youri Regeer is a versatile player who can play in multiple positions, including full-back, but I think his best role is in midfield."
The transfer window is not the easiest time for the coach, as he explained. A lot is written about Ajax players, and various rumours circulate. "But Hato is one of the best examples of how to handle these situations professionally. People forget that he is only 18 years old. But he is taking a healthy approach to his future."
The young defender was recently spotted in Liverpool, watching a match on an invitation from Ryan Gravenberch. "Yes, I went to watch a game there and had a great chat with Ryan afterwards. But I’m not thinking about transfers at all. I want to finish the season with Ajax and have no plans to leave this winter. What happens in the summer, we will see then. But I know exactly where I am now."