This article contains adult content that may be inappropriate for minors. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older to continue. This article contains images or details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. One game was enough for Óscar García to restore hope to Ajax fans, who had not felt such enthusiasm for their team in a long time, amid a deep internal and results crisis. The 4-0 thrashing of Sparta Rotterdam marked the best debut of a coach at the club since Ronald Koeman in 2001, generating a wave of praise across the country for a manager who, in 25 years, is the 20th to take the helm of the Amsterdam emblem. The Dutch press did not hold back in praising the transformation of the team. The newspaper De Telegraaf highlighted that "the new coach managed to prepare a squad that seemed weakened in just five days," while AD noted that "Ajax's intentions were very different," praising the intense pressure and quick pursuit of depth after regaining possession. The decision to appoint Óscar García to the first team came just a month after his arrival at the club under Jordi Cruyff in February to lead the B team. The poor results of Fred Grim, combined with the good work of the Spaniard at Jong Ajax, where he earned seven points in the first three games, led the new sporting director to promote the change. "He is not just any coach," commented Henk ten Cate. "I have the feeling that he is making a difference," he added. The changes were evident right from the starting eleven, seen as a statement of intent. Tomiyasu, who had not been a starter since June 2024, took on the left-back position, a problematic area throughout the season. "García wants us to play aggressively. He changed our mentality. He is very intense, especially in training," said the Japanese player, who added: "I don't want to compare him to Fred Grim, but he is more intense." Another surprise was the bet on young Konadu in the attack, due to Weghorst's injury and Dolberg's stomach issues, with the academy forward delivering an excellent performance. The best news, however, was the impressive return of Berghuis. The experienced attacking midfielder scored a goal and was involved in another, breaking a drought that had lasted since August. The Spanish coach himself confirmed that intensity is a pillar of his method. "I am very satisfied. I enjoyed it a lot and will never forget this night. The minimum is to train at high intensity and at a fast pace," declared Óscar García, who also addressed aspects to improve, such as the goalkeeper Paes's footwork and the offensive projection of the full-backs to create superiority in midfield. Captain Klaassen expressed his admiration for the new coach: "He didn't have much time; we mainly had meetings. He showed us how he wanted to play, and we managed to implement that quite well." Young Steur also sees a promising future: "He is very attentive to the players. That's how it should be, in my opinion. When you train like this, it shows in the games." Already out of the Cup and European competitions, and 21 points behind the leader, Ajax's only motivation for the rest of the season is to secure a place in the Champions League. The second place, which grants direct access, is five points away, while the third place, which leads to the preliminary round, is just two points away. The next challenge is crucial: the classic against Feyenoord, the current second-placed team. "We have seven games left. We need to win them all," said Tomiyasu, who considers the upcoming match as "the most important game of the year." A victory over the rival could reignite the fight for the top spots. With the Eredivisie title already decided, the battle for the coveted Champions League spots promises to be exciting in the remaining seven matches.
Things Haven Been Going Well remains central to this story.
Things Haven Been Going Well remains central to this story.
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