The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jan-Vertonghen-c17814’s replacement if they are to compete for the title.
Ajax Amsterdam midfielder, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Theo-Janssen-c34871, has revealed that his side should not be considered the favourites to lift the Eredivisie title at the end of the 2012/13 season.
De Joden were crowned Dutch champions for the 31st time in the history last term, when they finished six points clear of the second placed, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Feyenoord-c39258 Rotterdam.
However, the former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vitesse-c40905 Arnhem midfielder has revealed that his side are not the favourites to defend their title in the upcoming season.
“Some of the key players from last season are gone, there will be new players who must stand up. This is what I'm worried about”, Janssen was quoted as saying to Eredivisie live.
The veteran midfielder, who arrived at Amsterdam Arena in the summer of 2011 after making 86 Eredivisie appearances for FC Twente Enschede, went on to stress that his side need to bring some fresh legs to Amsterdam Arena as well as an experienced central
defender, who can fill in the boots of Jan Vertonghen.
“We have to wait and see what happens. We are not title contenders, we need new players. A new, experienced central defender, a leader, for example”, Janssen added.
Ajax cruised to an impressive 4-0 win over Celtic at Amsterdam Arena in a pre-season friendly, but the 30-year-old failed to represent his side due to an injury.
However, the Dutch international has expressed optimism that he will recover to match fitness in the coming days.
“I picked up a problem last Tuesday on my calf, and I’ve only been in training for the last two days. The coach [Frank de Boer] said he would have preferred me to train properly first before taking risks. The goal is to get fit. Then it's a wait until the
games get serious”, Janssen concluded.
The talented midfielder, who has thus far played 24 league matches while donning the jersey of De Joden, has a contract at Amsterdam Arena that runs until the summer of 2013.
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