AMSTERDAM • Praises have flowed for the Ajax academy graduates, who have stayed true to the "total football" philosophy espoused by Johan Cruyff in their rousing run from the qualifiers to the final four of the Champions League.
However, after failing to end a 24-year European Cup drought on Wednesday, the reality dawned on coach Erik ten Hag and his players that his team will now inevitably be broken up in the summer.
The Dutch league leaders were undone 3-2 on the night by a Lucas Moura hat-trick, including his added-time goal that punched Tottenham's ticket to the final on away goals despite the tie ending 3-3.
This season, Ajax have been a butterfly team, here for one glorious summer, but whose wings are already beginning to disintegrate a little in the sunlight.
Yet ten Hag found consolation in their "fantastic" European campaign despite the heartbreaking nature of their semi-final exit.
He said: "Football can be very beautiful and it can be very cruel. We have had to experience that today. We were one second away from the final and for that, our team deserves a very big compliment. I'm very proud of my players."
Despite his pride, he rued the golden opportunity that slipped through their fingers, after goals from Matthijs de Ligt and Hakim Ziyech gave them a commanding 3-0 aggregate lead.
The Dutchman added: "If you're 2-0 up, you have to make sure you win and we failed to do that. In the first phase after half-time, we lost our grip on the game, they played a more opportunistic game.
"At 2-2, we dominated again and we created chances. It's very bitter that none of those went in and they scored a very fortunate goal in the last seconds, maybe even past what should have been the last second."
De Ligt heads a list of names that will likely be sold, including Ziyech, who hit the post; David Neres, who was injured during the warm-up; and Donny van de Beek, the first-leg match-winner. Frenkie de Jong has already agreed a blockbuster move to Barcelona.
While captain-defender de Ligt, 19, admitted he "did not know how to recover from this" and that it was "a dream that went bad", he told Dutch TV channel Veronica that Ajax were still going to fight for a domestic double.
The Dutch Cup winners lead the Eredivisie on goal difference from PSV Eindhoven with two matches left.
REUTERS, THE GUARDIAN
Is Jose Mourinho delivering on promises in his second Chelsea spell? A team who could develop together similar to the lines of his erstwhile rivals Barcelona. He certainly looked like a man on
Football: Rafael Benítez fumes as Wolves deny Newcastle with another stoppage-time equaliser LONDON (THE GUARDIAN) - Rafael Benítez must hate it when the fourth official holds up the board for added time against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Rafael Benítez fumes after Wolves deny Newcastle with
Europa League: Chelsea too strong for Kiev, Arsenal slump at Rennes Chelsea were by far the better side at Stamford Bridge - they had eight shots on target to Kiev's none - but it was not
Arsenal to face Rennes in Europa League last 16 | London
Former Football Association of Singapore (FAS) General Secretary, Winston Lee informed the FAS of his decision to withdraw his candidacy for the AFC Executive Committee (Asean Zone) in the 29th
Football: Ex-FAS general secretary Winston Lee withdraws
Real Madrid coach praises Bale, calls for patience with Isco - Madrid, Nov 10 : Real Madrids interim coach, Santiago Solari, on Saturday praised Welsh forward Gareth Bale while calling for
Real Madrid coach praises Bale, calls for patience with Isco
France midfielder Paul Pogba believes England's Raheem Sterling is sometimes treated differently by the British media because he is black and does not get the recognition he deserves for his
Man City's Sterling treated differently by British media
England captain Harry Kane wants to end career as NFL kicker Harry Kane is a fan of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and was at the Super Bowl this year, watching from the stands as the
England captain Kane wants to end career as NFL kicker
Malaysia lost 2-1 to an under-strength Lebanon side in their first qualification match on June 13, before salvaging a 1-1 draw when Hong Kong missed an added-time penalty.
JDT players miss start of Malaysia camp for Asian Cup
Liverpool struck late through Divock Origi to move back top of the Premier League with a thrilling 3-2 win at Newcastle on Saturday and keep their hopes of a first title for 29 years alive but suffered a major scare after injury to Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool beat Newcastle with late Origi winner to top
Willian eager to stay at Chelsea despite exit rumours 01/12/2019 Tell your friends. Willian insisted he had no intention of leaving Chelsea after his superb goal sealed a 2-1 win at home to
Willian eager to stay at Chelsea despite exit rumours
SINGAPORE - Former Football Association of Singapore (FAS) general secretary Winston Lee has been appointed by the Asean Football Federation (AFF) as its new General Secretary. It is understood that the 53-year-old's contract is for an initial two years.
Football: Ex-FAS general secretary Winston Lee withdraws
0 comments:
Post a Comment