Heitinga defends Bassey after De Klassieker defeat | OneFootball

Interim Ajax head coach John Heitinga has rallied to Calvin Bassey’s defence after their De Klassieker defeat to Feyenoord.

Bassey visibly struggled in Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash at the Johan Cruijff Arena as the Eredivisie leaders extended their lead over the defending champions to six points with a 3-2 victory.

But speaking after the game, Heitinga remained full of praise for the Nigeria international, 23, despite the chastening experience during his first season with the club.

“Calvin is very critical [for us] and the great thing is that he just keeps going,” said Heitinga.

“He’s not going to play hide and seek, some players don’t want the ball at all anymore.

“There is room for improvement but, in the end, he is also there for his defensive qualities and others must ensure that we get the game moving.”

Ajax’s loss to their arch-rivals ended a seven-game Eredivisie winning run since Heitinga was placed in temporary charge following Alfred Schreuder’s sacking in January and saw Feyenoord go six points clear in the title race.