"These players have suffered setbacks and are unavailable. That's unfortunate, especially when you only find out for certain on the day before the match." The head coach does not want to use it as an excuse. The Spaniard aims to approach the clash with FC Groningen in a positive manner.
Favourites' role
"We have to see it as a new opportunity to play European football next season. We’re not thinking about missing out. It’s a privilege to play for Ajax. That should be motivation enough for the players to get a result. And if Ajax qualifies for the UEFA Conference League, it will automatically be one of the favourites for the tournament. I’ve told the players that as well."
Before the start of the season, Ajax's ambitions were higher than qualifying for the Conference League, García acknowledges. "Of course, the Conference League is not at the same level as the Champions League. But then we just have to fight to win this trophy." He adds: "Finishing fifth is, of course, not in line with Ajax standards."
On Thursday, Ajax face the number nine in the league, FC Groningen. The Amsterdam side won 2-0 at home in December but lost 3-1 away. García therefore knows what to expect from the opponent. "FC Groningen can switch systems well. They also play with high pressure and cover a lot of ground. We need to contain their enthusiasm. In the past three or four matches, we were the team that ran the most. I expect to see that again. I want eleven fighters on the pitch, giving one hundred percent for the club. The players know that. If they don’t give that, they won’t play."
Preparation for the match is no different from usual, García explains, despite it being a play-off tie. "For Ajax, every match is a final. If Ajax don’t win, there will be criticism. That's why I don’t think the tension is any different from normal. This pressure comes with being an Ajax player."
Team building
If the match is level after ninety minutes, extra time follows. That does not change the approach, however. "We won’t be thinking about that at the start of the match. Maybe it becomes relevant later in the game, but our main goal is to move on to the next match, preferably without extra time. But if it’s needed, so be it."
"I haven't done anything differently in preparation, such as team-building exercises. That’s something you do in pre-season, not now. Right now, the focus has to be on these matches. On these finals."
