Despite the 3-1 win over FC Emmen, John Heitinga is not satisfied with Ajax. The trainer of the team from Amsterdam is happy for right back Jorge Sánchez, who had an important share in the win with a goal and an assist.
“I thought it was a terrible match to watch, but these matches are sometimes included,” Heitinga said to ESPN in the catacombs of the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
“We played without energy, especially in the first half. We can do much better than we showed tonight. In any case, we scored another goal against PSV.”
PSV won 2-3 against FC Volendam earlier in the day. Both Ajax and PSV conced eight points to leader Feyenoord, which is well on its way to the national title with five rounds to go.
“Sánchez needs time”
Ajax right back Jorge Sánchez, often criticized this season, drew attention to himself in the first half by making it 1-0 and assisting Steven Bergwijn at 2-0.
“It’s nice for him that he scores. That’s good for self-confidence,” said 39-year-old Heitinga, who didn’t feel like zooming in on the criticism Sánchez received in recent months.
“For me the most important thing is to look at what my players can do very well. Jorge puts a lot of energy on the mat. You need time at a new club, in a new environment and a new country.”
Ajax will play this Eredivisie season against PSV (away), AZ (home), FC Groningen (away), FC Utrecht (home) and FC Twente (away). In two weeks, PSV will also be the opponent in the cup final.