Frank de Boer: Dual fixtures against Dinamo Zagreb could be decisive for us – Champions League news
Frank de Boer, Ajax Amsterdam head coach, has stressed that their dual encounters against Dinamo Zagreb in the UEFA Champions League group stages could be decisive for his side.
The Amsterdammers have secured just a single point from their opening two fixtures, occupying the third spot in the Group D.
Ajax were left disappointed when they were drawn with the likes of Real Madrid and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-Lyonnais-c40130. Although the Dutch champions secured a point in their opening game against the French giants, their performance against Real Madrid was far from pleasing.
De Boer, however, has not given up on his side’s chances of progressing through to the next phase of the competition. The Dutch mentor has stressed that six points are the minimum requirement for his side in their two corresponding fixtures against Dinamo
Zagreb.
“The two matches coming up against Zagreb could be decisive for us to at least secure third position. But in the end we want more, and that's to secure second place or [even] first. So these two matches are crucial for us – we actually have to take six points
from them”, De Boer said while talking to the media.
The Dutch trainer then went on to admit that the Croatian outfit is a tough side to beat at home and his troops will have to put in their best performance to bag all three points.
“Madrid played there, and they won 1-0 [but] it could easily have been 2-1 to Zagreb. At home especially they're a very good team with very fanatical fans, and not easy to beat. They also have many good players there, so it won't be easy”, De Boer concluded.
The four-time European champions finished third in the group last term that contained the likes of AC Milan and Real Madrid. The Dutch giants would be hoping to go one-step farther this season.
With Lyon and Los Blancos in the group, quarter-finalists and semi-finalists of last term respectively, it will not be an easy task for the Amsterdammers to prolong their stay in Europe’s primary club competition.
Tags: