Ajax head coach Peter Bosz has stated that he is feeling no pressure ahead of the Europa League final against Manchester United.
- By Michael Bell
- Follow Michael on Twitter
Ajax face Manchester United in Stockholm next Wednesday for the Europa League trophy, which would be Ajax’s first major European trophy since lifting the Champions League in 1995.
Speaking at a press conference, Peter Bosz said, “I feel no pressure. Everyone dreams of these games, so there’s no pressure, just a big opportunity.”
Opponents boss Jose Mourinho complained in the media about the amount of games his side are playing ahead of the final. Bosz countered by stating, “We will play our 56th game next Wednesday. If you look at our age, we have a really young team that has played a lot of games. We trained with 24 players today, with no one injured so instead of looking at United, I look at my team. We are fit and fresh and that’s a great way to prepare the team for next Wednesday.”
Bosz went on to say that he doesn’t care about Mourinho’s record in finals and their 100% win rate against Ajax, “I never look at coaches from other teams. I’m only looking at them to analyse where we can win something. I always look at my team, our strength and how we can beat opponents. It’s by looking at us not them.
“They have a bigger budget for sure, and if they feel pressure because of that, then okay. We like to play good football and hope to win.”
On Ajax reaching the final, Bosz added, “Many people thought it would not be possible for a Dutch team to reach a final. I believe it’s important that we are there again because the financial difference between clubs in Europe and Dutch clubs is big, but we have managed it.
“Everyone in Holland is proud, not just Ajax fans because it’s good for Dutch football.”