Ajax boss Erik ten Hag was pleased to see his side defeat PAOK and book their place in the Champions League playoffs.

Ajax fell behind to Diego Biseswar before Dusan Tadic missed the chance to equalise from the spot. Tadic did go on to score penalties, with Nicolas Tagliafico also netting as Ajax came from behind to win 3-2 and set up a clash with APOEL Nicosia.

After the game, Ten Hag told Ziggo Sport, “It was a hectic game in which many things did not go well. The team spirit was unbelievable, the boys fought enormously. The resilience was also fine, the team had to get back up and they did an excellent job.”

Ten Hag was not satisfied with his sides defending though, “I am very dissatisfied with the defence.

“We were also not business-like, dribbling when the ball just had to go forward. We had indicated that in the analysis, but it still happens to us.

“That should not happen. The last line had to connect much better, so there are still some problems with regards to adjustment. That should be better if we want to be successful in Europe.”

Ten Hag ended on a positive, “Many things went well too. We have had beautiful attacks and we managed to get through them several times. And that resilience is very nice to see. “




admin (14221 Posts)

Follow @Footballoranje_ on Twitter