Davy Klaassen has expressed that Ajax is beginning to display more patterns and consistency in their gameplay compared to previous weeks, as he spoke to Ziggo Sport following their 2-0 defeat against Benfica in the Champions League. The loss on Tuesday night was disappointing for the Amsterdam club, but Klaassen highlighted areas of improvement.
Reflecting on the match, the Ajax captain acknowledged the team’s struggles early on, particularly with their defensive setup in a 4-4-2 formation. However, he noted that after making tactical adjustments to a 5-3-2 formation, the team regained control and improved their performance. “In the first twenty minutes, we had a tough time defensively, but then we changed it up a bit, and you could see we performed better and got more control over the game,” said Klaassen.
Despite the positive signs in their play, Klaassen admitted that Benfica was simply more effective, which ultimately led to their victory. “That’s the level of the Champions League,” he remarked.
Acknowledging that Ajax is still without points in the Champions League, Klaassen emphasized the importance of perseverance among the players. “It’s tough, and we all feel the pressure, but we need to move forward together. It won’t happen all at once, going from zero to a hundred,” he noted.
In a self-critical moment, Klaassen addressed a significant opportunity he missed during the game, revealing his regret over not converting the chance. “That chance should have gone in, plain and simple. I should have controlled it with my left foot and shot with my right,” he reflected.
Despite the setbacks, Klaassen remains optimistic. He believes the improvements on the pitch will eventually translate into positive results. He encouraged his teammates to build on the progress made, step by step, underscoring the potential for the team to find its form as the season progresses.