John Heitinga thinks that Ajax showed ‘terrible’ in the first half against Vitesse. After that, however, the trainer saw improvement, while he puts match winner Edson Álvarez in the spotlight.
Ajax played poorly in Arnhem on Sunday afternoon, but it did win 1-2 against Vitesse. “The first half was actually terrible on our part, it was very bad,” a clear Heitinga begins in front of ESPN’s camera. “We were very static, could run earlier and were especially sloppy with the ball. At half-time we said: guys, listen. If we want to compete for the title, you have to win here today. It had to come a long way. “
Subsequently, Álvarez receives compliments from his trainer. “We are very happy that Edson heads in that ball, he deserves that. He played a very strong game today.” Heitinga is then confronted with the fact that Ajax concedes an enormous number of goals from standard situations. “Yes, that is too much, we know that. We are working hard on it. It is up to us to arm ourselves better against it.”
“We have to continue the line we have now taken, but we also really know that we have to improve”, Heitinga continues. “As a former player, I also know that last Thursday’s match (against Union Berlin, ed.) Is really still in its legs. That is why it is all the better that we win with a bit of mentality. there is absolute will, you can see that. In the end I think it is a very good victory.”
