"We've just watched the draw with the entire squad and staff. I think we drew the toughest opponent from each bag. It'll be a challenge, but also amazing", was Steijn's immediate response.
Great fixtures
The Ajax manager is looking forward to six great fixtures. "Brighton are of course an unknown quantity for many, but if you look at last season and this one, they are incredibly strong and incredibly good at everything", said Steijn about their English opponents. "Marseille has always been a strong team of course, and AEK Athens narrowly missed out on the Champions League."
Steijn is very much looking forward to his adventures in Europe with Ajax, but is still feeling let down after the disappointment Thursday evening against Ludogorets (losing 1-0). "The will is very strong among the players, but you do notice at times they lack the freedom to play great football. I think the difference between the home and away legs is too great, and everyone knows it."
"Whatever, we got through and made it into the group stage", continued Steijn. "It's a day and a half till we have to play again in Sittard, so now we must focus on that. We can soon play our way out of the negative atmosphere from yesterday (Thursday, ed.)."
Ajax opens the group stage with a home game against Olympique Marseille
On Saturday, UEFA announced the fixtures for the UEFA Europa League group stage. Ajax will open the group stage with a home game against Olympique Marseille. The match will take place at 21:00 on Thursday 21 September. The team from Amsterdam were also paired with Brighton & Hove Albion and AEK Athens in the draw on Friday.
