Te Brake and Knol begin new chapter together at Ajax: 'Who would have imagined?'

The fact that the two know each other well quickly becomes apparent during the interview. They regularly finish each other’s sentences and laugh about memories from their time at FC Twente. Knol signed for Ajax earlier, while it only became clear later that Te Brake would also be making the move to Amsterdam.

"I knew quite early on that Anna was joining Ajax", says Te Brake. "But for a long time I didn’t know that I would be playing here as well. When it finally became clear that I was also joining Ajax, I immediately FaceTimed Anna."

Knol still remembers that moment well. "She asked me: ‘What would you think if I became your new teammate?’ My first reaction was: 'You're kidding me.' After that, I was obviously just really happy."

A warm welcome
The new Ajax players were at a training camp in Brixen im Thale, Austria, from 13 to 18 July. The camp was not only about football. The days were filled with intensive training sessions, but also with group activities away from the pitch. A long bike ride through the Austrian mountains, a refreshing dip in a stream and a cable car trip helped the players get to know each other better off the pitch.

"Of course, the main focus is training,” says Knol. “But the moments around that are just as valuable. You spend the whole day together and get to know everyone much more quickly than if you only see each other on the training pitch."

According to Knol, a training camp is the ideal environment for that. "Naturally, you don't know everyone equally well straight away, but you immediately notice that the group is very open." For both players, that made the transition much easier. "You can tell straight away that it's a very close-knit group", says Te Brake. "Everyone has welcomed us really well."

Settling in at Ajax
Besides getting to know the squad, the first few weeks have also been about adapting to a new club culture. Although both players have been competing at the highest level for years, every transfer brings new challenges.

"You really have to get into the Ajax way of doing things", explains Knol. "Every club has its own way of working, its own rules and expectations. You mainly learn those during your first few weeks."

Te Brake recognises that feeling. "The way we train is different too. The structure of the training sessions, the intensity and the details that receive attention vary from club to club."

From Enschede to Amsterdam
The fact that the two are now playing for Ajax together makes it even more special. During their time at FC Twente, they regularly faced the Amsterdam side in matches where there was often a lot at stake.

"Ajax against FC Twente was always a special fixture", says Knol. "They were often top matches played in a fantastic atmosphere and, more often than not, they went our way", she says with a subtle grin. "It was always a bit of a love-hate relationship. Actually… maybe not much love", Knol laughs.

Now, the two are looking forward to experiencing that fixture from Ajax's perspective. "Hopefully we'll play FC Twente at the Johan Cruijff ArenA this season", says Knol. "And hopefully the match will go our way again, only this time for Ajax."

Close friends
The move to Amsterdam is even more special because the bond between the two has been strong for years. "At Twente we were part of the same group of friends", says Te Brake. "We didn’t just see each other every day at training, we also spent a lot of time together away from football. It really feels like we moved to a new club together as friends."

Knol agrees. "Out of all the girls at Twente, Sophie was definitely in my top three." Te Brake adds: "The fact that we're playing together again is really special. Sometimes we look at each other and think: who would have ever imagined this?"

Compliments for each other
When the players are asked to describe one another, the compliments come thick and fast. "Anna is probably one of the most sociable people I know", says Te Brake. "She's always cheerful and brings a great atmosphere to the group. On the pitch she's also a real leader. She’s a strong centre-back who keeps an overview, communicates a lot and always seems to be in the right place."

Knol smiles at the description but immediately returns the compliment. "Sophie is also very sociable, but a little quieter than I am. She likes to observe things at first, but once you get to know her she’s incredibly friendly and great company. She’s someone you can have serious conversations with and who is always there for other people."

Knol also has plenty of appreciation for her teammate as a footballer. "She's a very strong player, has an excellent passing range and communicates well. She's also very good in the air. That's definitely something she does better than me."

Learning from each other
Although the two have been close friends for years, they still see plenty of qualities they can learn from each other. "Sophie usually thinks a bit longer before she says something", says Knol. "I often say exactly what I think straight away, and sometimes that can come across a bit harshly. Sophie will then say: 'I'll stay quiet for now.' I can definitely learn from that."

Te Brake, meanwhile, looks up to her teammate’s experience. "For example, Anna has already played abroad and has therefore experienced much more. She has an incredible sense of calm. I really admire that and it’s something I can learn from. She always seems to have everything under control and never looks stressed."

A new home
Away from football, Amsterdam is already starting to feel like home. Coincidentally, the two are once again living close to each other.

"I live with Nurija van Schoonhoven in Amsterdam East", says Te Brake. "And Anna lives in the same apartment building with Bo van Egmond."

Knol adds with a smile: "We definitely didn’t plan it that way."

For Te Brake, there is another advantage. While she is living further away from home for the first time, Knol is returning to familiar surroundings. "I’ve only been to Amsterdam a few times, so Anna is going to have to show me around the city. I’m happy to let her be my tour guide."

'Winning trophies'

When asked about their goals for the coming season, both players are in complete agreement. "Winning trophies", says Knol decisively. "And qualifying for the Champions League", Te Brake immediately adds.

"We’ve both experienced just how special that competition is. Everything that comes with it is amazing. Even the build-up feels more professional. There’s a certain excitement and feeling that makes it so special, even before the match begins."

Knol fully agrees and adds: "Hearing the Champions League anthem while you’re standing on the pitch before kick-off is also incredibly special."

"It really is the biggest stage there is", concludes Te Brake.

On Tuesday, August 5, Knol and Te Brake will have their first opportunity to take a step towards that stage. Ajax will face Brøndby IF in Glasgow in the semi-final of the mini-tournament in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. If Ajax win, they will face either Rangers FC or Slavia Prague in the final on August 8. The winners of that match will qualify for the third qualifying round.

Personal goals
Alongside her sporting ambitions, Te Brake also sees her move to Ajax as a personal challenge. After spending seven years at FC Twente, it is the first time she has lived further away from home.

"Of course, I want to develop as much as possible here and see what I’m capable of achieving. But it's also a big step for me personally, living further away from home and continuing to develop as a person. My family and friends mean a lot to me. It will be interesting to see how I experience that. Maybe it will go really well. Or perhaps I’ll realise just how much I miss the people closest to me."

For the Ajax player, the move is therefore not only a footballing step, but also an opportunity to gain new experiences away from the pitch.

"This is the first time I've lived further away from home. I only played for my local amateur club before spending seven years at FC Twente. That always felt very safe and close to home. It's not that far away, of course, but if you want to take another step in the future, this is a nice transition."

Knol also has personal ambitions for the season ahead. "I want to be important for the team, keep developing myself and, above all, enjoy my football", Knol concludes. "When you enjoy being out on the pitch, you usually get the best out of yourself as well."

With a warm welcome, a familiar face by their side and clear ambitions in mind, the first steps in Amsterdam have been taken. The shared journey that began at FC Twente has entered a new chapter at Ajax, where the pair are determined to continue developing and compete for trophies together.