On Wednesday afternoon, Francesco Farioli was clear about the objectives for the match during the press conference. "We want to qualify, finish in the top 24, and secure the best possible position." Ajax currently sits in 16th place, while their Turkish opponents are in ninth. The top eight teams in the final standings will bypass the play-off round.
Around two hours after the press moment, Farioli led the final training session with his squad. At de Toekomst, he had an almost fully fit team at his disposal. During the press conference, Farioli provided a medical update: "Owen Wijndal has undergone surgery, so he will be out for a while. Additionally, we will miss Branco van den Boomen due to suspension."
Our photographer attended the final training session and confirmed that the team spirit is high. Ajax – Galatasaray kicks off on Thursday at 21:00 CET.
Farioli and Hato on good coffee, Galatasaray and the transfer window
Last Thursday’s match against FC RFS (1-0) is now a closed chapter—a painful one, as Francesco Farioli admitted. However, during the training session the day after the defeat in Riga, the Ajax coach saw the right reaction from his squad. With that in mind, the Italian and his team look ahead with confidence to the home match against Galatasaray in the UEFA Europa League.
