Pre-Season Losses
By: Matt | August 12th, 2008
First of all, I did not see a single minute of the Amsterdam Tournament. So I would appreciate it if someone could add some observations in the comment section. But looking a the scorelines, I would say that we were more than a little disappointing. The tournament pitted us against some terrific competition, of course, but Ajax often manages to surprise some of these heavies. Not this year, winless and held goal-less in the second match, Ajax stumbled through the gate and threatened. But hey, the money-making venture that is the Amsterdam Tournament went on anyway. I would be tempted to just ignore the results as preseason friendlies (which they were), but one loss may hurt us more than anything: Mitchell Donald is likely out for the year following his injury against Inter.
Donald had been a revelation in the last few matches of last season, even contributing in the playoffs. He was the type of player you expect too magically appear from the Ajax Academy, a versatile attacker with spirit and confidence. And now we will have to wait to see what he can contribute until next season. Until then, we wish Mitchell the best of luck and hope that the squad’s performance can provide him with a nice diversion from his rehabilitation duties.
So, in summation of this year’s Amsterdam Tournament: Ajax came, was seen, was defeated, and then lost. I hope the funds raised can purchase a replacement for Mitch.
> Speaking of replacements, Lucas Biglia to Ajax rumors have been gaining speed since Anderlecht officially bounced out of the CL. Biglia has been listed to raise funds to balance the budget. I have said before that the last thing this team needs right now is another midfielder. But we might need a Biglia. He provides more of that other thing Ajax needs besides attacking skill in midfield: the Davids-like steel that controls the other team’s attack. The Argentine can also pass it a bit, but he would be a great boss. Anderlecht will sell “El Principito”, but there are other clubs trolling around (some turned off by his size: he weighs something like 140lbs). And Biglia is not the only thing for sale. If he goes, this site’s domain name will likely be taking bids, too.
Why not add a youtube? Transfer window will be closed soon, so enjoy these voyeuristic journeys now!
> Rasmus Lindgren is being called up for a 20 August friendly by his Swedish senior side. After a mass exodus of old Swedes following Euros, they are certainly looking for young blood. Let’s hope Rasmus brings his game, yeah?
> The Kenneth Perez transfer-listing fallout continues. Perez is seeking a court injunction to froce his way into training with Ajax 1 after he was sent to work out with Ajax 2 in preparation for his exit. As I said before, I cannot blame Perez for being angry. But I can blame him for bringing lawyers into it. International media could care less, so I am not getting frequent reports. Anybody in Amsterdam who can translate Dutch legal jargon is free to fill in the rest of us. And do I need to tell you whose side the fans are taking: MvB’s or Perez?
Category: Team News
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Comments
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Well, Matt don’t be too worried about it. In the Inter game, we played all the kids and they did quite well, no reason to worrry about that scoreline. As for the Arsenal game, we played our full team -except for the 4 olympians- and should have won or at least tied. Lack of defense killed us last 30 minutes, incl. Oleguer who looked quite average, if not a bit weak. But it was Arsenal so lets see. Suarez looks like a CL player and will be next yr, one way or the other I’d say. He killed Clichy!! KJH must get more involved in the game to become a top striker at CL level. Great goal by him and nothing else.
Posted from
United States
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For a meaningless pre-season training session, I thought the Amsterdam Tournament was a good way to get the players to build fitness (except for Donald… that sucks). Results are largely irrelevent.
I’m in favor of the Biglia move. He’s a good player, young, and not unreasonably expensive (I think Anderlecht is asking for 7 million euros). If Ajax signs him and one more defender, I think they’re in great shape for the new season.
Perez is starting to get annoying. Yeah, I feel bad that he got jerked around last season being sold and then bought back a few months later, but not all of that is Ajax’s fault, and none of it is MvB’s fault. Perez old enough and been around the sport long enough to realize a new manager brings a new direction and new perspective on players. Sometimes it sucks, but he’s an average to decent player, not great, isn’t one of the main first team guys, isn’t going to get better, and unfortunately sometimes, that’s just how the buisness works.
Posted from
United States -
Matt -I watched a few of the friendlies and I think you’ve got nothing to be worried about. They were using the matches as they should be an didn’t get caught up in the score. It’s the story of some clubs more interested in posting a good score as opposed to putting together important steps towards the season. I’m so glad to see these matches come to an end – lol, I don’t think I could handle any more of these run-outs. Take care~
Posted from
Germany
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