After praising the Mexican player, the manager turned back to the game. "We have to be realistic, Ajax is different now from before. Today's game was shocking to watch, really. These clashes matter too. I found the first half particularly lacked energy. We can do better than we did tonight."
Yellow card for Álvarez
Heitinga also felt disappointed with the yellow card Edson Álvarez got playing FC Emmen. It means he has to miss PSV. "There's nothing you can change. The ref made his decision. I sort of get it, but we have to move on…"
It was the Mexican player's tenth yellow card in the Eredivisie this season. The manager thinks it's all part of the game. "He pushes boundaries, which often turns out well for us. Edson is one player you do want in the team. We'll miss him next week, that's for sure. It might also all be part of how this season is shaping up."
"I can't blame him entirely, though" Heitinga continued. "If there's one player with a winning mentality, it's him."
Highlights Ajax – FC Emmen l Businesslike victory Sunday evening
Ajax chalked up their eighteenth victory in the Eredivisie this season on Sunday. John Heitinga's team were too much for FC Emmen at the Johan Cruyff ArenA: 3-1. The Amsterdam goals came from Jorge Sánchez, Steven Bergwijn and Dusan Tadic.
