Scarecrow of the Champions League in 2019, Ajax Amsterdam returns to haunt footballing Europe with a formidable game, built by coach Erik ten Hag, and a successful finisher, Franco-Ivorian striker Sébastien Haller, which challenges Dortmund again on Wednesday (9 p.m.). Unstoppable during the first three group days, like its semi-finalist predecessor two years ago, Ajax managed a clear round, notably with a 4-0 card against Borussia in the first leg. And the Dutch club can already validate its qualification Wednesday evening, two days from the end, during the second round on the lawn of the BVB. This spectacular trajectory validates the strategy of Ajax, which had nevertheless sold its most beautiful jewels in the summer of 2019 (Frenkie De Jong, Matthijs De Ligt ...) but managed to rebuild an ultra-competitive team in just one season.
To discover
Champions League fixtures and results
Champions League standings
The architect has remained the same since 2017: Erik ten Hag. "
Our coach is possessed by football, very perfectionist
", praised Haller in an interview with the German magazine Kicker. “
He is without a doubt one of the best coaches in the world. He has a very bright future ahead of him.
The Dutch technician (51 years old), notably spent on the bench of the reserve of Bayern Munich (2013-2015) when Pep Guardiola was the head coach, extended his contract at Ajax until 2023 while he was courted by several European giants. "
No other club can offer me such working comfort and I am convinced that in the years to come, we will be looking the biggest clubs eye to eye.
“, He launched a year ago.
A succession already ready
These comments galvanized the entire club led by former goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, after years 2000-2015 complicated by financial problems and ego battles between leaders.
Ajax's success seems to be closely linked to its training center, “
De Toekomst
», Considered today as one of the best in the world.
In 2019, Ajax had filled its coffers (its budget is also profitable) by selling De Jong to FC Barcelona, De Ligt to Juventus Turin, Hakim Ziyech to Chelsea or Donny van de Beek to Manchester United.
But the Ajacid rulers did not panic when they saw these talents go.
Because the next generation was already ready.
Young Jurrien Timber (20), Ryan Gravenberch (19), Nousser Mazraoui (23) or Devyne Rensch (18) are already well established in the Dutch eleven.
Young talents perfectly supervised by elements of experience, the Blind, Berghuis, Klaassen and other Tadic.
Sébastien Haller, the final touch
The final touch was made by the recruitment of Haller, who arrived last year from West Ham for 26 million euros, a record for a transfer to Eredivisie. The Ivorian international is already a good pick, after a disappointing season and a half with the Hammers (who had bought him 50 million euros in Frankfurt). Arriving in Amsterdam in January, Haller scored 25 goals in 36 matches in his new colors, becoming the public darling of the Johan-Cruyff Arena. A seven-time league scorer, Haller has done almost as well in the Champions League (6 goals), establishing himself as the unexpected top scorer in the competition this season. "
As the current top scorer in the Champions League as well as in Eredivisie, I have never felt so strong
",he told Kicker. "
Since I have been at Ajax, I have been ecstatic and this year I am finally playing the Champions League.
A dream has come true.
“In 2020-2021, the top scorer of C1 was called Erling Braut Haaland (10 goals), ahead of Kylian Mbappé (8) and Karim Benzema (6), among others.
But this Wednesday the Norwegian is forfeited on injury (hip).
What let all the light to Haller and Ajax, very close to finding the European Top 16 to continue playing the scarecrows.
