Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Ajax coach John Heitinga urged his team to use their recent UEFA Champions League experience as a springboard for the upcoming Eredivisie match against PSV Eindhoven. “It is good if we can take that experience with us,” Heitinga said. “We came away with a good feeling from the first half [against Inter] and we need to carry on those good moments.”
The focus now shifts to Sunday’s domestic clash, which Heitinga sees as a crucial test. “We are travelling to Eindhoven for a result,” he stated. “I am curious to see to what extent we can take the next step in our process. Progress has been visible in the last few games, but not yet for ninety minutes. The aim must be to show it for the whole match.”
Heitinga emphasized that building consistency and squad fitness are the primary goals at this stage of the season. “We are working towards having a squad where all our players can play ninety minutes three times a week. We are not there yet, but we are working hard on it.” He acknowledged that while player rotation is sometimes necessary due to injuries, the ultimate objective is to field a stable lineup that can handle a demanding schedule. This stability is particularly important in midfield, though the coach noted that selections must always account for “creativity and fitness.”
Regarding Sunday’s opponents, Heitinga was complimentary. “There is a lot of quality at PSV and they have a very experienced coach in Peter Bosz. They are a good side and we have to be well prepared.” However, he stressed that Ajax’s performance is paramount. “I am focusing on ourselves, on my own team. It depends on us how we present ourselves there. Team discipline has to be good.”
Drawing on his own playing career, Heitinga noted the fixture’s intensity. “These matches are always played in the heat of battle. It will be a good benchmark on Sunday.”
On the injury front, Steven Berghuis remains a doubt and will undergo a late fitness test. Heitinga also took a moment to praise goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros, confirming he would travel with the squad. “He is level-headed and has a lot of potential. He is a thorough professional, calm, and he does not let himself get unsettled easily, which is impressive at his age.”
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