The support from the fans was therefore very important for Ajax. García also has a message for the supporters who will be there again next Sunday, when Ajax face FC Utrecht in the play-off final. "You could feel the connection between the players and the supporters. Of course, we hope for the same atmosphere in the final because when the stadium is behind the team, it gives the players an extra push."
Ajax also came through the match against FC Groningen in relatively good physical condition, García said on Friday afternoon. Nevertheless, the players will be assessed right up until the last moment regarding their fitness.
"The squad is in a good moment physically and mentally. We still have a couple of players we need to assess after the last match because of illness, some knocks and fatigue, but overall the team is recovering well. We will make the final decisions after the last training session," the coach explains.
FC Utrecht will be Sunday’s opponent, with a place in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Conference League at stake. FC Utrecht reached the final after a 3-2 win over sc Heerenveen. Kick-off on Sunday in Volendam is at 12:15. Ajax faced FC Utrecht just a few weeks ago at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. That match was lost in the final seconds: 1-2
"We know they are a very strong opponent, with a lot of quality and intensity. Finals are always different from league matches. We have a lot of respect for them, but we focus on ourselves: on improving the things we can control and on arriving in the best possible condition for Sunday," García adds.
The Ajax coach expects a tough match between two strong teams fighting for an important objective. “Finals are often decided by small details, concentration and mentality. We want to show personality, play with courage and compete until the end. The team is motivated and excited to seize this opportunity."
