The Ajax manager, Ten Hag, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to beat City, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming match. He emphasized the importance of not risking players’ well-being for the sake of winning, and highlighted the impact of injuries on the team’s performance. Ten Hag acknowledged that some players are not yet fully prepared due to their participation in international tournaments, and stressed the need to bring everyone together and overcome the challenges in the upcoming weeks. Ten Hag revealed that the team did not have much time to train together due to the players’ involvement in various tournaments, which has impacted their synchronization and readiness.

He recognized that other teams with fewer international players may have an advantage in terms of preparation, making it crucial for Ajax to manage this situation effectively to maintain their performance and avoid dropping points in the upcoming matches.