Ajax trained with a smaller group of players on Friday. Van 't Schip explained his decision to let a number of players have some rest. "It's always a balance between mind and body. We've had a tough schedule, including away games against Bodø/Glimt and AZ. Over the next three weeks we have a busy schedule once again, and the players don't have much time for physical rest. Some of the lads took the initiative and came to training anyway, which is great to see."
"Seeing as we've actually had a very busy schedule, the team may be lacking freshness a little. We're trying all sorts of things to get that back. Just training really hard is not always the answer," Van 't Schip continued.
Availability issues
The manager went on to elaborate on the availability issues. "Berghuis is still doubtful. He took a knock to the inside of his knee. That is always a problematic injury. Hopefully it will clear up soon, so he can get back to playing." Steven Bergwijn was back on the pitch Friday. "He's not ready to play just yet, but it's encouraging that he's back on the pitch."
Van 't Schip is expecting Jordan Henderson to be available on Sunday. "He's been training well and also turned up today. In theory, there should be no problem for Sunday."
Formation
Ajax used a 5-3-2 formation in the match against AZ last week. "We looked at who was injured, and who was available. Several wingers are injured, so it was a good chance to play five defenders against AZ. It's certainly something we'll think about as we head towards Sunday," said the manager.
The manager gave Ahmetcan Kaplan his debut at Alkmaar. Van 't Schip is very pleased with how the Turkish centre-back is coming along. "We think it's great he's available. He is a reliable player on the ball. In defence, Ahmetcan is strong in the air and also great at getting into position. It's highly likely he will feature in the opening line-up against FC Utrecht, more so because Josip Šutalo dropped out of training this week."
Anton Gaaei came in for a lot of criticism and hate comments following AZ away. The manager went to see the right back immediately after the match. "I spoke with him for some time at the ArenA. He needed a few days to process it all. We gave him two or three days to get his head straight."
FC Utrecht at home
Ajax face FC Utrecht at the Johan Cruyff ArenA this Sunday from 12:15. Van 't Schip is expecting a tough game. "Games against FC Utrecht are always a bit special. The team rivalry is well known. These are the matches of the year for FC Utrecht. They have gone undefeated for so long and their confidence is running high." Van 't Schip has a clear message for his team. "We just have to win."
