Ajax will be without several players on Sunday. "Josip Šutalo is doing better, but he is not yet available for this match," Grim began. "Wout Weghorst will not play again this calendar year, as communicated. With Kenneth Taylor, there are possibilities towards Sunday. James McConnell is dealing with a shoulder problem, while Steven Berghuis will not be available again before the winter break."
Preparation
In the build-up to De Klassieker, the focus is on recovery and sharpness. "We've started playing in a different way, and it takes time to become well attuned to each other. With seven matches in 21 days, training moments are limited, but we are preparing as well as possible for Sunday."
Grim and his staff have analysed Feyenoord in the lead-up to the match. "At times we’ve seen a team that plays well, is strong in combination play and has a striker who can score goals." At the same time, he sees opportunities. "In the final phase, we’ve seen moments where they can be vulnerable. We’re looking closely at that and preparing for it."
Initiative
The head coach expects a match in which both sides want to take the initiative. "They are two teams that want to play for the win. That can lead to an open game with a lot of intensity and moments." Grim does not rule out the use of young players. "It's about quality. Age is not a criterion for me."
Recent results have led to a noticeable change in feeling within the squad. "A sense of success is hugely important. After a difficult period, you see enjoyment returning, players working harder for each other, and the joy coming back. You could see that in the celebration after the goal against Qarabağ FK. That says a lot about where we are now."
The match against Feyenoord is very much alive within the club and the academy. "This is the Klassieker," said Grim. "The importance of this match is already clear from the youth academy onwards, and that always makes this game extra special." He called the absence of the F-side a loss. "That's a blow, but there will still be 45,000 other Ajax supporters in the stadium backing us."
