Tag: Ajax

TEN HAG SHOULD TARGET PROLIFIC FULHAM STRIKER MITROVIC

Erik ten Hag has already shown how he can mould a physically imposing striker into a clinical marksman during his time with Ajax and FC Utrecht. The 52-year-old turned Sebastian Haller, who was diagnosed with a testicular tumour in the summer, into one of the most formidable strikers on the continent during their two-and-a-half years together in Amsterdam. In July 2019, West Ham United splashed out a club-record £45 million to sign Haller from Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.

But in his 18 months with the Hammers, the Ivory Coast international had scored 14 goals from 54 appearances before heading to the Johan Cruyff Arena for less than half of what West Ham splashed out on him. Ten Hag had already worked with Haller at Utrecht, and the Ivorian scored 40 goals and provided 15 assists from 81 games for the Eredivisie side. Continue reading TEN HAG SHOULD TARGET PROLIFIC FULHAM STRIKER MITROVIC

AJAX BLOCKED JOL’S FULHAM MOVE

Ajax manager has revealed how Ajax blocked his dream return to England with Fulham. Jol, 54, had been earmarked by the Cottagers as the man to replace new Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson. Despite agreeing terms with chief executive Alistair Mackintosh, the Amsterdam giants refused to let go of their man and discuss compensation.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, the ex-Tottenham Hotspur boss admitted he had craved a return to London but this was blocked by the Ajax hierarchy.

“It was unbelievable [Fulham’s interest]. I like Fulham, I like England, I like London,” Jol said.

Ajax manager has revealed how Ajax blocked his dream return to England with Fulham. Jol, 54, had been earmarked by the Cottagers as the man to replace new Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson. Despite agreeing terms with chief executive Alistair Mackintosh, the Amsterdam giants refused to let go of their man and discuss compensation.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, the ex-Tottenham Hotspur boss admitted he had craved a return to London but this was blocked by the Ajax hierarchy.

“It was unbelievable [Fulham’s interest]. I like Fulham, I like England, I like London,” Jol said.

“I was probably a bit disappointed to say ‘no’ as the board wouldn’t let me go under any circumstances.”

Jol continued he had resigned himself to staying in the Netherlands as he didn’t want to go to court to force through his switch.

“I was offered a good job, at a good club, with good players. I was willing to go there, but that’s it, I’m under contract,” he continued.

“We spoke about it, not only for five minutes but for hours and I have to say now, it’s Thursday, it took a long time which is probably not good for this club as Ajax is a big club with one and a half million fans in Holland. Internationally, we want to do something and I had to tell them [Fulham] I had to stay.

“I don’t want the problems of going to court because Ajax is too big to put in any misery.”