Ten Hag cautiously optimistic about 'very effective' Ajax: 'They're competing'

Ten Hag, now Twente's technical director, believes Ajax are improving under their new leadership and can compete for the title with key players like Amrabat returning to fitness.

Erik ten Hag, the former Ajax manager now serving as technical director at FC Twente, has expressed cautious optimism about Ajax's prospects this season. Speaking on Goedemorgen Eredivisie, Ten Hag praised the work of Ajax's leadership in recruiting experienced players and believes the club is on an upward trajectory.

Ten Hag highlighted Ajax's effective playing style and singled out Sofyan Amrabat as a crucial player who will become increasingly important as he regains full fitness. He also praised the return of Daley Blind, calling him a "super important" player for the dressing room culture. While acknowledging that Ajax still lack the flair he would like to see, Ten Hag noted the team is "very effective" at present.

Ajax's 1-0 victory over AZ on Saturday brought them to within one point of Feyenoord. The club faces upcoming fixtures against FC Midtjylland and FC Twente.