Klaassen Reflects on Missed Opportunity: ‘This Should Have Gone In’
Ajax faced a challenging match against Benfica, losing 0-2 in the Champions League on Tuesday evening. Davy Klaassen, the team’s captain, reflected on the game in an interview with Ziggo Sport. He expressed disappointment but noted improvements in the team’s performance compared to previous weeks.
Klaassen Reflects on Missed Opportunity
Klaassen discussed the team’s defensive strategies, stating that they had difficulties in the first twenty minutes while using a 4-4-2 formation. However, he highlighted a shift to a more effective 5-3-2 formation, allowing them to regain control of the match. “You could see it was going better, and we were getting back in control,” he remarked. Despite the positive changes, he acknowledged that Benfica played more effectively, which is crucial at the Champions League level.
Team Improvement Despite the Loss
The Ajax captain emphasized that even though they lost, he witnessed growth in the team’s play. “I saw a team that performed better than in recent weeks,” he noted. Klaassen believes these incremental improvements are essential for future success, even if results take time to manifest.
- Current Champions League standing: 0 points
- Klaassen’s perspective on team improvement: essential for future results
Dealing with Adversity
Klaassen also addressed the emotional strain on the players from their ongoing struggles in the Champions League. “It is tough. We need to find a way to improve together,” he stated. The captain emphasized that recovery from these setbacks would not happen immediately and requires collective effort.
Missed Scoring Opportunity
In his final comments, Klaassen reflected on a significant chance he missed during the match. After combining with teammates Kenneth Taylor and Wout Weghorst, he shot wide. “I should have taken the ball on my left and shot with my right. It just came between my feet; I must score that,” he admitted.
As Ajax continues its Champions League campaign, Klaassen’s insights highlight both the challenges and the potential for growth within the team. Each game presents an opportunity to learn and improve, which may ultimately lead to better results in the future. The focus remains on building on the positive aspects witnessed, even in defeat.
