Ten Hag and Blind give thoughts on Benfica - Ajax

Tenhagpersco1280
Tenhagpersco1280

Erik ten Hag doesn’t want to discuss who are the favorites for the clash with Benfica in the round of sixteen in the UEFA Champions League. He made that clear during the press conference in Estadio da Luz on Tuesday evening. "It means very little to me. It will be decided on the pitch."

Tags

  • #UCL
  • #BENAJA

Socials

The trainer then immediately pointed out the strengths of Wednesday evening's Portuguese opponent. "Benfica's strength is to raise itself to our level and therefore come out strong. We have to make the right choices on the ball. In addition, we have to be careful during the transitional phases."

Three years ago, Ajax faced the Portuguese side in the Champions League, in the group stage. In Lisbon, it finished 1-1. "That was a tough game," Daley Blind recalled. The defender joined his coach for the press conference.

"We didn't create much then. I think Andre Onana made a very important save in the final phase. Beyond that, if you look at the growth with the team - there have also been many player changes, but now we’re reaching the same level in the Champions League again… That is great."

Ajax’s status
According to Ten Hag, the status of Ajax has indeed changed after that season. "After that match, we did achieve something in the Champions League. That game also showed something else. We can often play beautiful football, with good results. But if things don't go the way we want, we can still get results."

Related articles

Gravenberch

Ajax’s full squad for the trip to Benfica

Erik ten Hag is taking 22 players to Portugal for the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League. On Wednesday evening Ajax will play against Benfica in the Estádio da Luz. The game starts at 9:00 PM.

Tags

  • #UCL
  • #BENAJA

Socials

Hallerhighlights

Champions League top scorer Haller: 'Never thought I’d on this stage'

In his debut season in the UEFA Champions League, Sébastien Haller has made a lasting impression. The Ajax striker was the top scorer in the group stage with ten goals in six matches. In the run-up to the Round of 16 match in Lisbon against Benfica, we sat with Haller to talk about his fantastic performance in the group stage.

Tags

  • #UCL
  • #Haller

Socials