Ajax sporting director Edwin van der Sar spoke to NOS’s Joep Schreuder before their home match against VVV Venlo on Thursday.

  • By James Rowe
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The Amsterdam club will once again miss out on the Eredivisie title this season and fans expressed their anger towards Van der Sar after last weekends defeat to PSV Eindhoven.

Van der Sar said, ”It is disappointing for the club, players and fans that we have not won the Eredivisie title in 4 years. It’s a difficult time in that respect.

”It’s painful because we have big ambitions at the club not just here in the Netherlands but also in Europe too but we must first become champions of the Netherlands again.

”Having good players does not always equate to having a winning team and that is what you need to be top of the league after a season of 34 matches.

”Manager, coaches, players and backroom staff all play their part to ensure a click. ”

Despite the criticism, Van der Sar will remain in his role, ”Erik Ten Hag will remain Ajax manager and I remain sporting director of Ajax.”

He continued, ”We wanted to get closer to PSV Eindhoven this season and we must ensure that in the summer we have a squad that can challenge for the Eredivisie title next season.

”You must not forget that we appointed a 3rd manager in 14 months and that is a lot. We want to see progression but that is not dependent on an Eredivisie title.

”I am enjoying being sporting director. You have to do lots of things and be aware. I have specialists working under me and I listen to them and take decisions.

”I admit that I could have been more decisive at times and I must improve as in every role. You must keep working hard in this role and keep doing your best. We fully understand the frustration of the Ajax supporters this season. ”




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