"I think it's great to be here, at such a big club. Hopefully I can play here soon in front of this amazing crowd," says Grillitsch. The Austrian midfielder is impressed with the Johan Cruyff ArenA. "I played a match against the Netherlands here during the European Championship. We lost, but I really enjoyed it. Because it is a big stadium, and it was completely full."
Schreuder and Kaltenbach
The 27-year-old Grillitsch played for years in the Bundesliga. First for Werder Bremen, then for TSG Hoffenheim. At the latter club, the newcomer had already played under coach Alfred Schreuder. "So we know each other well. I also know Matthias Kaltenbach, the assistant coach, well. I worked with him for five years. They know what makes me tick and vice versa. I am glad that I will see some familiar faces."
Perfect match
"I am a player who always keeps calm. I feel no pressure and always look for the footballing solution," says Grillitsch. "The fans will soon find out. Ajax is the right club for me. The philosophy and the way of playing football suit me. I think it will be the perfect match."
Champions League
"A club like Ajax should always win. Perhaps a little like Bayern Munich in Germany. That's what I want, to win every match. I want to win prizes. That is why I came here," says Grillitsch, who is happy to be active on the top European stage again. "The Champions League is special. That feeling, I really enjoyed it. Once you have played in one, you'll never want anything else. So finally I can play in the Champions League again. It will be really great and hopefully successful."
