The Amsterdammers struggled to perform in the first-half of the 2011/12 season, and second-half of the campaign has seen little improvement.
Frank de Boer took over the managerial hot seat at Amsterdam Arena in December 2010 after the resignation of Martin Jol. Although the Dutch mentor was initially appointed as a caretaker manager, impressive performances under his tutelage were enough to convince
the club management; he was soon rewarded with a permanent contract.
By the end of the 2010/11 season, the 41-year-old had lifted the Eredivisie title, a feat that looked improbable at the start of 2011.
After recording their 30th Dutch Championship, the illustrious side was expected to emulate the blistering form. A title defence was wildly predicted.
However, De Boer’s side has flattered to deceive thus far. Their showings in the league and the Dutch cup have been far from pleasing. Occupying the sixth spot on the league table, they are a mighty eight points behind the current Eredivisie leaders, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/PSV-c40281
Eindhoven.
The reigning champions played 16 Eredivisie fixtures at home under the leadership of De Boer before their clash against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Utrecht-c39237 on Sunday, February 5. They had managed to win 12 matches while the remaining four were stalemates. The recent 2-0 defeat at
the hands of the Utreg at Amsterdam Arena marks De Boer’s first home loss in Eredivisie since he took over the charge.
Ajax’s strong back-line played an integral role in the Eredivisie triumph last term, conceding just 30 goals in 34 matches. However, they have struggled at the back this season, having already matched that number in just 20 fixtures.
The Amsterdam giants’ defence remained water-tight at home during the 2010/11 campaign, letting in a miserly 9 goals throughout the season. This term, however, they have already surpassed that tally. Averaging at more than one goal conceded each game, Ajax
have conceded 11 goals in nine Eredivisie fixtures at Amsterdam Arena.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Toby-Alderweireld-c35183, Nicolai Boilesen and Gregory van der Wiel have been rock solid in defence for the most decorated Dutch team. Interest in their services, in the summer of 2011, only seemed natural.
Fortunately for De Joden, they remained at Amsterdam Arena and only saw the departure of their goalkeeper, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roma-c31603 in the summer transfer market. Despite the fact that the Dutch International is undoubtedly one of the best shot-stoppers
in Europe, his departure alone cannot account for the Amsterdammers’ poor performances.
History indicates that Ajax have always performed exceedingly well in the second half of the campaign. However, it seems likely that they are on the verge of writing another chapter in their history. They have yet to win a game since the start of 2012, as
their poor form continues.
They started the year with a 3-2 KNVB beker Cup defeat at the hands of AZ Alkmaar before going on to register a 1-1 draw against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Feyenoord-c39258 Rotterdam before watching the dismal 2-0 loss to Utrecht
at home.
It is too early to suggest whether Ajax’s faithful will see their beloved side’s Eredivisie triumph at the end of this season. But if they manage to defend their title successfully, it will certainly be remembered as one of the finest turnarounds in the
club’s history.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are of writer’s own and do not reflect bettor.com’s official editorial policy.
Tags: