Eredivisie 23/24 - discussion thread

[fullhdpixel]

Most teams do not care about cup matches. I think Ajax is one of them. Ajax is normally a much higher quality team than Hercules, but they may have had to face this painful result because they did not care much in the Cup match. While they were eliminated from the cup, Hercules had already gone to celebrate a victory.

But why would they not care about cup matches when we are talking about the most important domestic cup and at the same time we are talking about professional soccer players who have been dreaming about winning titles for their whole lives? I don't buy this story because I read that quite often that players would not care about winning the cup. I understand that in the Premier League there are several cups and some of them not as important as the FA Cup, but this one cup in the Netherlands is the most important cup there is. I don't understand why the players wouldn't care.

This is really confusing because most of the teams want to win cups so it's domestic or other no matter right now Ajax is facing troubling time so if they are going to have win in Conference Cup this could be good for their future and teams confidence as well because this win will give them good booster and things will be good for the next season even currently nothing is predictable how they will play in this cup and what will be result, but they need to give their best with their run in Eredivisie is also good, and they can achieve some good results in coming days which will increase their performance and consistency which is surely going to help them for having better results in near the end of this season.

[QueenVera]

This is really confusing because most of the teams want to win cups so it's domestic or other no matter right now Ajax is facing troubling time so if they are going to have win in Conference Cup this could be good for their future and teams confidence as well because this win will give them good booster and things will be good for the next season even currently nothing is predictable how they will play in this cup and what will be result, but they need to give their best with their run in Eredivisie is also good, and they can achieve some good results in coming days which will increase their performance and consistency which is surely going to help them for having better results in near the end of this season.

Ajax were eliminated from the cup match and yes they might have played so bad but I think it was then they were having a poor form. Now their main focus is on getting an European spot next season and I think it’s pretty cool they were eliminated. I don’t think the players don’t care; I feel they were playing bad and as a result had a bad result but their media outlets would make it look as if the players aren’t interested, because why won’t you be interested in additional money for the club when you win such cup??

 Now they’re at the conference cup and I believe they’ll fight to win that in order to avoid whatever maybe at the end of the tournament the Eredivise league. They’ve to maintain top performance and be consistent in their winning streaks,  they have to continue with that form so as to qualify for the UCL next season.

[Godday]

Now they’re at the conference cup and I believe they’ll fight to win that in order to avoid whatever maybe at the end of the tournament the Eredivise league. They’ve to maintain top performance and be consistent in their winning streaks,  they have to continue with that form so as to qualify for the UCL next season.

To be honest, I was surprised by Ajax's defeat. At first I thought because it was a local cup so Ajax only fielded second tier players to play. And they will prepare their main players for the league. But after I saw the match report it turned out that Ajax fielded most of their main squad. This is a worry in my mind about Ajax's chances of gaining a place in the Champions League next season. If Ajax appears inconsistent like this, it will certainly be difficult to get second place at the end of the season

[emrecemsan]

USV Hercules are an amateur league team you know so it was really unbelievable that Ajax lost to them.   

I understand that Ajax are having a tough season and trying to recover by getting wins in the Eredivisie for a while. However this still can't be an excuse for a big team of Netherlands like Ajax to be eliminated by an amateur league team. Just how can you be this bad? It is a really embarrassing loss and they can't explain this to their fans of course. I can't even follow Ajax's coach changes anymore. I thought there was another person but I realized that John van 't Schip was in charge.

[Godday]

USV Hercules are an amateur league team you know so it was really unbelievable that Ajax lost to them.  

It was truly a very surprising result. It wasn't even the final match in the domestic cup. USV Hercules really isn't a team I've ever heard of. I even had difficulty finding their information on the internet. I think this is the most surprising defeat I've had at the start of this year or this season in football. I watched several matches with results that were completely unpredictable but not as surprising as Ajax's defeat to a third division team in their league.

[QueenVera]

Yes except for the games against Heerenveen and Vitesse Arnheim, all of the games were won by narrow means indeed. That is quite uncommon for Ajax Amsterdam as they are known for beating their opponents big time in the Eredivisie. But I think they appreciate every positive result regardless of whether it was close or not. But what I did not expect was the loss in the KNVB Cup against USVB Hercules. They lost a backdoor to get into the Europa League if they can't make it through their domestic league.

Most teams do not care about cup matches. I think Ajax is one of them. Ajax is normally a much higher quality team than Hercules, but they may have had to face this painful result because they did not care much in the Cup match. While they were eliminated from the cup, Hercules had already gone to celebrate a victory.

Ajax are in a rebuilding phase and yea even if they’ve narrow victories, these victories are very much appreciated as ot helps them clim up the log. Yes they are out of the Cup which could have also helped them secure Europa League spot but I think this will give them more room to focus on the conference league and probably the domestic league so as to get up the ladder. I'm pretty sure they'll qualify for the UCL next season.

 It’s strange why most clubs don’t care about cup matches because the funds alone from these cups can help the club recruit more players and also the gifts of qualification to European competitions is one that every clubs wants. But in this Ajax case I think right now the team is rebuilding and wouldn’t be medical this much competition hence the need to get eliminated and set their focus right.

[wiss19]

USV Hercules are an amateur league team you know so it was really unbelievable that Ajax lost to them.  

It was truly a very surprising result. It wasn't even the final match in the domestic cup. USV Hercules really isn't a team I've ever heard of. I even had difficulty finding their information on the internet. I think this is the most surprising defeat I've had at the start of this year or this season in football. I watched several matches with results that were completely unpredictable but not as surprising as Ajax's defeat to a third division team in their league.

There is no doubt this was shocking defeat but still this is not happening first time in soccer history because we have long list of defeats like these in many leagues as big giant teams lost to unknown teams with currently, we all know Ajax is having troubling time, and they are trying to rebuild themselves for the better future in Eredivisie so we can expect results like these from them.

This match was played on 21st December for the KNVB Cup round of 32 once USV Hercules were leading by 2–0, but we have some good drama at the end and Ajax able to score two quick goals but injury time goal from the Grotenbreg give them shocking win odds for the USV Hercules @51 at the start of the match.

[Godday]

There is no doubt this was shocking defeat but still this is not happening first time in soccer history because we have long list of defeats like these in many leagues as big giant teams lost to unknown teams with currently, we all know Ajax is having troubling time, and they are trying to rebuild themselves for the better future in Eredivisie so we can expect results like these from them..

Your words are correct. We often see big teams losing against teams from amateur leagues. This also often happens in the English league during the FA Cup competition. Big teams such as City, Arsenal or Chelsea have lost to teams in the third caste in domestic competitions. It's just that a defeat like this will still be surprising and will make everyone see what caused the defeat. I feel that currently Ajax is building a better squad and I think at the moment they don't have any targets other than trying not to get relegated.

[QueenVera]

There is no doubt this was shocking defeat but still this is not happening first time in soccer history because we have long list of defeats like these in many leagues as big giant teams lost to unknown teams with currently, we all know Ajax is having troubling time, and they are trying to rebuild themselves for the better future in Eredivisie so we can expect results like these from them.

This match was played on 21st December for the KNVB Cup round of 32 once USV Hercules were leading by 2–0, but we have some good drama at the end and Ajax able to score two quick goals but injury time goal from the Grotenbreg give them shocking win odds for the USV Hercules @51 at the start of the match.

Ajax got defeated by a 3rd division team. Well it sounds crazy though but it’s never the least expected especially as Bayern Munich were also defeated in the German Cup by a 3rd division team. Ajax is facing rebuilding and being eliminated from this competition at this point is kind of better. This is to enable them focus more on better competitions e.g the UEL and try to come up on the league’s standing.

 The match was full of drama and Ajax no doubt gave in their best but they were quite unlucky. So I feel it shouldn’t be much a big deal, they can forge ahead of this defeat.A victory in that game would had given then a boost in morale towards the chase for the top four in the Eredivisie League but all hope is not lost yet, they should put themselves together and try to do better so as to secure a spot in the UCL.

[Godday]

Ajax got defeated by a 3rd division team. Well it sounds crazy though but it’s never the least expected especially as Bayern Munich were also defeated in the German Cup by a 3rd division team. Ajax is facing rebuilding and being eliminated from this competition at this point is kind of better. This is to enable them focus more on better competitions e.g the UEL and try to come up on the league’s standing.

 The match was full of drama and Ajax no doubt gave in their best but they were quite unlucky. So I feel it shouldn’t be much a big deal, they can forge ahead of this defeat.A victory in that game would had given then a boost in morale towards the chase for the top four in the Eredivisie League but all hope is not lost yet, they should put themselves together and try to do better so as to secure a spot in the UCL.

I don't think it's a big deal if a top team loses to a team in the third division. Many teams are unlucky enough to experience this. As you said with Munich's defeat in the DFB Pokal. But the problem is that people are doubting AJax's performance this season. Then they improve their ranking little by little. But in the midst of all these positive trends, Ajax suddenly lost to a third division team and that made everyone question whether Ajax had really returned to their form or not. That's different from Munich, which is quite strong in the league, so even if they lose to a third division team, people won't mind it.

[Koal-84]

Ajax got defeated by a 3rd division team. Well it sounds crazy though but it’s never the least expected especially as Bayern Munich were also defeated in the German Cup by a 3rd division team.

It's a shame to go out against a team like that, but it's always happened in the cup.

Ajax have important points to play for this weekend against a direct rival for fifth place. If they lose, Ajax will lose touch with fourth place for good, and the gap is already large.

[QueenVera]

This is different from what is happening to Ajax at the moment, basically Ajax's performance is in a very bad state, so their defeat against a weak team indicates that the Ajax team is really getting worse.
If we talk about defeats by top teams against weak teams in football, it is normal, but basically the Ajax team's performance is very bad and the defeat against a 3rd division team is a benchmark that how bad the Ajax team is at maintaining its consistency even though this team is struggling. in their downturn and I think they have recovered from the downturn they experienced at the start of the season but losing the possibility of winning the title would certainly be a bad thing for the team.

Well Ajax didn’t just lose outrightly to a 3rd division team; they were 2 goals down and tried to equalize but only got unlucky in the last minute of play. The defeat from a 3rd division team isn’t new in football; and yes it happens.That doesn’t mean Ajax haven’t improved from the way they started the season. Yes the team is pretty poor no doubt but they’re better compared to how they started the season.

 Though the team isn’t in real shape yet as champions they’re but I believe they’re getting back their confidence and feet. Well they’re in the UEL and they could really get something off that competition if they try to improve on their play style and even get a rise to their league standing too. Ajax have really impressed everyone this season to get where they're to be honest I didn't expect them to go this far cause of their poor start this season.

[Godday]

Well Ajax didn’t just lose outrightly to a 3rd division team; they were 2 goals down and tried to equalize but only got unlucky in the last minute of play. The defeat from a 3rd division team isn’t new in football; and yes it happens.That doesn’t mean Ajax haven’t improved from the way they started the season. Yes the team is pretty poor no doubt but they’re better compared to how they started the season.

As I said before, it's not unusual. It's just that currently we are talking about Ajax's poor performance in the league and the hope of improving its performance. But the defeat confirmed that Ajax is in very poor form and has no hope of getting to the Champions League next season. People say Twente and Alkmaar will lose to Ajax in the race for the top 4 positions but with this bad result I am sure Ajax will not be able to shift Twente or Alkmaar's position in the League.

[SATWAT]

Well Ajax didn’t just lose outrightly to a 3rd division team; they were 2 goals down and tried to equalize but only got unlucky in the last minute of play. The defeat from a 3rd division team isn’t new in football; and yes it happens.That doesn’t mean Ajax haven’t improved from the way they started the season. Yes the team is pretty poor no doubt but they’re better compared to how they started the season.

As I said before, it's not unusual. It's just that currently we are talking about Ajax's poor performance in the league and the hope of improving its performance. But the defeat confirmed that Ajax is in very poor form and has no hope of getting to the Champions League next season. People say Twente and Alkmaar will lose to Ajax in the race for the top 4 positions but with this bad result I am sure Ajax will not be able to shift Twente or Alkmaar's position in the League.

Every team having good and bad days with currently in this season we are having in Premier League few top ranks clubs are struggling even they spend huge amounts for the improvement but still nothing positive happening, so Ajax was also in bad shape, and they were struggling with now on recovery which is surely good, and they are back in business without losing too much time because here in Eredivisie we have no competitiveness like Premier League and difference of quality is also wide open which is not allowing many teams to improve their squads for the top quality.
Ajax is one of the best club in UEFA with having good history and performance so they are now back and most chances we will have them at the better spot until end of this season as well even for me, they can go through for the top three.

[Distraction]

Every top team can have a bad season in their local league. The important thing is to find a way to start recovering. For now Ajax look like they have done it. Because there is a huge development in their results. We are only halfway through the season too so Ajax have lots of time to make up for their bad start. It won't be easy to make it to top 3 though.

Because the point gap with Twente is 9 now and there is a team between them in the league table also. Ajax just need to keep up the good work and they will hope for the teams above to lose points as much as possible. 

Ajax would do his best in the Conference League too I guess. They can have a good achievement there if they do because there aren't so many quality teams there.

[QueenVera]

Every team having good and bad days with currently in this season we are having in Premier League few top ranks clubs are struggling even they spend huge amounts for the improvement but still nothing positive happening, so Ajax was also in bad shape, and they were struggling with now on recovery which is surely good, and they are back in business without losing too much time because here in Eredivisie we have no competitiveness like Premier League and difference of quality is also wide open which is not allowing many teams to improve their squads for the top quality.
Ajax is one of the best club in UEFA with having good history and performance so they are now back and most chances we will have them at the better spot until end of this season as well even for me, they can go through for the top three.

Ajax have not been at their best performances but they've definitely been winning games and have been consistent to it. Definitely a coach has his own impact in a team, once the head is faulty, there'll always be loopholes. It means a lot for a team to get victorious consecutively in a row and for Ajax, that's caused a gradual improvement regardless not doubting that they still have to put in more work. They've got players no doubt but the squad needs to be better, Ajax is a team better than a narrow win, at the moment though, finding the right player who's top and ready in all areas to give that competitive capacity in both the domestic league and the European leagues will be hard.

Every team won't want to loose their kept men and every player that's be free are the ones that weren't so solid for the team. It's quite expensive to get for a team a high valued player no doubt and Ajax management may not likely be up to the task and it's going to be unsafe to settle for a less standard player.Their winning consistency is good but they just have to find a way to stop the wins from occuring through a narrow means. The coach is good at what he does but he has to improve himself and the team too, once all the necessary characteristics needed are in place, then it'll be an easy ride for Ajax.

[Koal-84]

Ajax had a lot of departures last year, even the successful coach left Ajax, and then a lot of players, even if Ajax had record revenues, it was not a good decision from a sporting point of view.

For today's matchday, AZ has lost so tomorrow Ajax has the chance to make up points on AZ. As expected PSV is already 2:0 up in the 20th minute, think the game could end 4 or 5 to zero in favour of PSV.

[Godday]

If Ajax wins against Go Ahead then the difference in points with AZ will only remain 5 points and that means they have a chance to qualify for the European league qualifiers . That means AZ has to lose 2 more times and AJax wins the match so Ajax will overtake AZ with a difference of 1 point. Go Ahead Eagles is not a team to be taken lightly because they often surprise in several situations. Although I'm sure Ajax will win that match.

But AZ's defeat was predicted because their opponent was Twente who was in third place. Will AZ perform badly so that they suffer 2 more defeats and Ajax wins them all? I think we shouldn't underestimate AZ like that.

[Zigabel]

Now they’re at the conference cup and I believe they’ll fight to win that in order to avoid whatever maybe at the end of the tournament the Eredivise league. They’ve to maintain top performance and be consistent in their winning streaks,  they have to continue with that form so as to qualify for the UCL next season.

To be honest, I was surprised by Ajax's defeat. At first I thought because it was a local cup so Ajax only fielded second tier players to play. And they will prepare their main players for the league. But after I saw the match report it turned out that Ajax fielded most of their main squad. This is a worry in my mind about Ajax's chances of gaining a place in the Champions League next season. If Ajax appears inconsistent like this, it will certainly be difficult to get second place at the end of the season

Ajax is now  much more better than they were earlier and I think it's cutting across all tier of their players be it the first and the later, they are all have good performance recently and it's indeed helping them get much more from their performance. A win for me wasn't much of a surprise as I expected such from them and not any less.

[odunybiz]

Now they’re at the conference cup and I believe they’ll fight to win that in order to avoid whatever maybe at the end of the tournament the Eredivise league. They’ve to maintain top performance and be consistent in their winning streaks,  they have to continue with that form so as to qualify for the UCL next season.

To be honest, I was surprised by Ajax's defeat. At first I thought because it was a local cup so Ajax only fielded second tier players to play. And they will prepare their main players for the league. But after I saw the match report it turned out that Ajax fielded most of their main squad. This is a worry in my mind about Ajax's chances of gaining a place in the Champions League next season. If Ajax appears inconsistent like this, it will certainly be difficult to get second place at the end of the season

Ajax is now  much more better than they were earlier and I think it's cutting across all tier of their players be it the first and the later, they are all have good performance recently and it's indeed helping them get much more from their performance. A win for me wasn't much of a surprise as I expected such from them and not any less.

Don't be surprise if Ajax lose this game today. To me, I haven't seen any good change in their performance. Both team are almost similar in performance. I think both team will have a goal in this match, so I'm expecting o2.5 goal in the match.