The circumstances at De Toekomst were perfect: a freshly mowed pitch with a mostly sunny sky. The Ajax players arrived with a smile, a handshake for the groundsmen and tanned faces on the pitch. With brand-new adidas footballs, the preparation for the new season could start.
The training session started with an extensive warm-up which was extended with some running exercises. From goal line to goal line within a certain amount of time was the exercise for the players. The goalkeepers also started their first training of the season with running exercises after the warm-up.
The Ajax player did not get much time to catch their breath. After a short water break, the team divided into three groups for the rondo. In those, Maduro showed that he still has an exquisite ball technique. However, he did not escape being sent from left to right on occasion. The same happened to Witschge and Bakkati in the two other rondos.
After the rondo, the group continued with pass and kicking exercises at a high pace. Play, bounce, open. Maduro and Bakkati coached loudly while the exercise was being done in two groups. Before the next exercise, the Ajax players had to get back to the goal line for the same goal line as the goal line running exercise.
A mini-game in two teams and three extra players was up next. The exercise was turned into one mini-game later on. White and blue in a tactical form. Steijn’s signal was the start and finish of a session in which the ball was allowed to be touched only twice.
After the mini-game, the first training session was done. The players finished together in the centre circle and walked to the dressing rooms.
