It was day four in Como when Regeer walked in after lunch and took a seat at the table. "Italy is beautiful, a fantastic location for a training camp." Ajax will play the final against Como 1907 on Sunday for the Como Cup.
"We’ve already had a good match, and there’s one more to go. The first half against Celtic was tough from our side, but we played well in the second half." There were also many Ajax fans present in Como. "What struck me was how many supporters showed up, Ajax fans who had travelled a long way just to watch a friendly. I really love to see that."
Mentally tough
The support from the fans perhaps confirmed his decision to return to Ajax in January this year. But soon after signing his contract, Regeer was injured. He had to reinvent himself. "I had just signed ten days earlier when I got injured," he reveals candidly.
"The first week was really tough, especially mentally. You have to switch your mindset and focus on recovery. If your head isn't in the rehab, it only works against you." During this period, the defender found support with his family. "I talked a lot with those close to me. We have a strong bond, and I saw them even more during that time."
Rehabilitation also meant getting physically stronger. "I really hate the gym," he laughs. "And since the rehab, it hasn't gotten any better. But I have made important progress: more muscle mass and I've become noticeably stronger. Now I pay close attention to recovery: ice baths, massages. As a youth player, I didn’t think that was as important, but now it’s simply part of the routine."
Regeer has also built his own support team. "For the past two and a half years, I've worked with a nutritionist, a sports psychologist and a personal physiotherapist. Aside from the club’s support, that has been incredibly valuable."
Clarity in his role
He now feels comfortable playing in multiple positions. "I can play in either role. Wherever the coach puts me, I’ll play. At Ajax, as a full-back, you basically play more like a midfielder. It can be a luxury to be that versatile, but it also sometimes requires clarity about how you play. I’m certain that clarity will come under the guidance of John Heitinga."
Regeer has worked with Heitinga before: "He has his own ideas about football, wants to play attacking football, thinks from the build-up, and wants us to press high as a team. It’s a slightly different style now, with new details, but we’re making good progress in pre-season."
The period at FC Twente was crucial for Regeer to show Ajax how valuable he is. "I learned a lot there and got important minutes under my belt, which made me a more complete player and person. I look back on that time fondly." After the winter break, Ajax brought him back, with the feeling that everything was falling into place. "Ajax sees the potential and wants to make me an important part of the team. I've had good conversations with Alex Kroes and Marijn Beuker. That gives me confidence."
Regeer’s pride is clear to see. "The size of the club is incredible. You see people wearing Ajax shirts all over the world. When you're brought back, you return with a different status. But in the end, you always have to be the best version of yourself."
The disappointment of last season, when Ajax narrowly missed out on the title, is still fresh in his mind. "That hurt. This year, we want to be champions. That's what drives the team. We want revenge, to be the best in the Netherlands. If we achieve that, the season will be a success.” His personal goal is clear: “Lots of goals, lots of assists, and being important for the team. That’s what Ajax fans can expect from me."
