Ajax, the new coach Míchel aims to improve the pressure in
According to Vi.
Context
Míchel, a former footballer and now coach, has the task of transforming Ajax into a more competitive team. His experience and innovative ideas could lead to positive change, especially at a club with such a rich history as Ajax, known for its attacking style of play and its tradition of developing young talents.
Why it matters
Míchel's arrival at Ajax marks a significant change in the team's playing philosophy, with the aim of improving pressure and defensive organisation. This is crucial for the club, who aim to return to competing at the top level of the Eredivisie after a disappointing season. Míchel's ability to implement these changes will be critical to the team's success next season.
Key points
- Ajax, the new coach Míchel aims to improve the pressure in.
- Ajax begins summer preparation with new coach Míchel aiming to improve the defensive phase and pressure on opponents.
- Analyze training Ajax leert: zo wil Míchel druk zetten.
Ajax began their summer preparations with the ambition of returning to compete for the top positions in the Eredivisie. New coach Míchel must significantly improve the defensive organization in order to achieve this goal. The public training held in Garderen showed how the Spaniard intends to increase the pressure on the opponent's game.
In analyzing Ajax's problems last season, the coach identified two points for improvement: "The depth in the game and the high pressure on the opponent's pitch must improve. But we must start working without thinking too much about last season and make sure that these weaknesses are not seen on the pitch next season. We must work on this together", said Míchel in an interview.
During public training, the exercises and indications provided by the technical staff made it clear that Ajax is adopting a new style also in the defensive phase. The players were divided into two teams and challenged each other in a positional game, with the aim of maintaining ball possession. The team that had to defend possession of the ball, however, had to do so within a restricted area of the pitch, so the players were forced to move and try to free themselves to receive the ball.
The coach asked his players to be aggressive and try as much as possible to recover the ball as soon as it is lost. This is an important change for the Dutch club, which last season adopted a much more wait-and-see game and almost never attempted to win the ball back on the opposing pitch.
This exercise was also done by increasing the size of the pitch, so the players always had to move to try to free themselves and receive the ball, but in this case they also had to do so by occupying the flanks. Míchel then gave some indications on how the players should move when the opposing team has the ball.
The Spanish coach has divided his players into three blocks: defenders, midfielders and attackers. The defenders and midfielders had to occupy a portion of the pitch together and had to make the opponents respect it, i.e. they had to prevent the opponents from receiving the ball within that area.
The attackers instead had to press on the opposing defenders, trying to prevent them from having passing options. This type of exercise, which in technical jargon is called 'protection of area', had never been seen before in the Netherlands and it is another sign that makes it clear that Míchel wants to completely change tone compared to his predecessor Schreuder.
What happens now
As summer training begins, Míchel will focus on practical exercises to improve his high pressure and depth in the game. The next few weeks will be decisive in testing the new strategies and evaluating the players' response. Ajax fans can expect a more aggressive and dynamic approach on the pitch, in line with the new coach's ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened with Ajax and the new manager Míchel?
Ajax have started their summer preparations with new coach Míchel, who aims to improve pressure on the pitch and defensive organisation.
Who confirmed the changes in Ajax's strategy?
New coach Míchel confirmed the changes in strategy, underlining the need to improve depth in the game and high pressure.
Why is Ajax now changing its game approach?
Ajax is changing its playing approach to return to competing for the top positions in the Eredivisie after a disappointing season.
What changes were shown during public training?
During public training, Míchel introduced drills that require players to maintain possession of the ball and move actively to receive the ball.
What are the changes in Ajax's game compared to last season?
The changes include a more aggressive approach to recovering the ball, in contrast to the wait-and-see style adopted last season.
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