Amsterdam-based club Ajax is confronting a deep sporting crisis, marked by a historic home defeat and player discontent, ahead of a crucial Champions League match against Benfica on Tuesday.
Team captain Kenneth Taylor openly admitted a significant lack of confidence among the players. He noted the squad already employs a mental coach but struggles to adapt amid numerous changes.
This internal struggle follows Ajax’s first-ever home loss to Excelsior last Saturday, a 1-2 defeat that led to fans booing their own players.
Interim coach Fred Grim has now overseen two defeats in two games since replacing John Heitinga.
Taylor described the Excelsior performance as “unworthy of Ajax” and “dramatic.”
In the domestic league, Ajax sits significantly closer to the relegation zone, with an eight-point difference, than to the top spot, trailing by 14 points.
The 23-year-old midfielder also highlighted a “huge difference between how we train and what we show on the field.”
The upcoming clash with Benfica pits the only two teams in the Champions League standings who have yet to secure any points against each other.
Taylor expressed urgency, stating, “We want to get out of this situation as quickly as possible, because it was a disaster. We play against Benfica on Tuesday and we have to be prepared.”