Jagiellonia Bialystok under fire in Poland
Jagiellonia Bialystok is going through a dramatic series of matches. The champion of Poland has suffered five defeats in a row. Not only in Europe against FK Bodø/Glimt and Ajax, but also in the league it went wrong twice. The last defeat was last weekend against GKS Katowice (3-1).
The team of coach Adrian Siemieniec is not spared in the Polish media. Sports medium wrote Fact that Ajax’s opponent has shed a considerable jacket. There is talk of multiple humiliations. Jagiellonia Bialystok would no longer be the club that became champion of Poland.
Despite this, coach Siemieniec kept his spirits up after the big defeat against Ajax. Despite the relatively large margin, he believes that the tide can still be turned. “We were not able to be competitive at this level, but I certainly give us a good chance for a result in the return match,” he said on the own club website.
“When we had the ball, we could measure ourselves against Ajax,” he continues. “The problems arose when we didn’t have the ball. We look beyond this two-match series with Ajax. We have to keep a cool head. When you’re 2-1 down in a home game, you have to take the initiative. Ajax took advantage of that with its quality.”
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Boss emphasises importance of Europa League
Youri Baas expects a similar duel against Jagiellonia Bialystok as in Poland. “We have to be dominant and play our own game,” the defender said on digital home of the club. He is really looking forward to the duel in the sold-out Johan Cruijff Arena. Because of the interests at stake, but also because of the wonderful atmosphere during European evenings.
“Reaching the competition phase of the Europa League is important to us, both sportingly and financially. Ultimately, you want to achieve the maximum possible. In this case, that is the Europa League,” Baas continues. “I am most looking forward to the atmosphere in the stadium. That is different from during Eredivisie matches. You only have flags in Europe. It is a different feeling.”
Although Baas is on his guard and realizes that the job still needs to be finished, he notices that Ajax is making progress. “We are still far from where we need to be, but things are going in the right direction. There is a plan and everyone is energetic, so that is good.”
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Farioli reveals Brobbey’s starting position
After the 4-1 victory in Poland, the main tournament of the Europa League beckons. It would be crazy if Ajax gave up the good starting position in the return match. Yet according to Francesco Farioli, that is precisely where the danger lies. The coach refuses to count his chickens before they hatch.
“These are the most risky matches, when you think you’re already there. Jagiellonia Bialystok has nothing to lose. They can play without fear. We have to forget the first match and make sure we reach our goal,” Farioli said at the final press conference.
The coach will have to do without Steven Berghuis during the return, who sustained a new injury during training. The severity of the injury is still unknown. An MRI scan should provide clarity. Ahmetcan Kaplan is also not there yet, while Kristian Hlynsson and Kian Fitz-Jim return to the match selection. Daniele Rugani can come into action where necessary, but will definitely not start in the first team.
Farioli already revealed that Brian Brobbey can count on a starting spot. “He is our number nine. An important pawn for the team and the club. Brian has special qualities. We are doing everything we can to prepare him for as many minutes as possible.”
Ajax and Jagiellonia Bialystok will kick off on Thursday at 8:00 PM in the sold-out Johan Cruijff Arena. The match will be led by Italian referee Maurizio Mariani.
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