Heitinga sees Ajax improvement despite dropped points at Go Ahead Eagles | OneFootball

Ajax delivered an improved performance on the road but were left to settle for a 2-2 draw against Go Ahead Eagles at De Adelaarshorst, prompting head coach John Heitinga to emphasise the need for continued progress.

The Amsterdam side stormed into an early lead when Davy Klaassen headed home after just three minutes. Kenneth Taylor then came close to doubling the advantage, only to be denied, before Eagles hit back through Melle Meulensteen and Evert Linthorst. In dramatic fashion, Youri Baas rescued a point for Ajax with a header just before the interval.

Reflecting on a first half that fluctuated in momentum, Heitinga remarked, “You score that first goal and then it’s up and down.” He noted that the team’s organisation had shown an advance but admitted they struggled to maintain sustained pressure. “There were spells when we were dangerous in transition, but we didn’t always keep it up,” he added.

The second half saw Ajax assert greater control. Heitinga praised his side for applying higher pressure and improving their defensive structure. “We held more possession and limited chances in the latter stages,” he pointed out, while acknowledging that further work on pressing intensity and cohesion remains essential.

One decision that sparked interest was starting the match without new signing Oscar Gloukh, despite the Israeli midfielder’s hefty summer arrival. Gloukh was introduced at half-time to inject more creativity, with the coach explaining his aim to free up Steven Berghuis in a more central role, which the team responded to positively.

Looking ahead, Heitinga urged his players to build on this performance. “It’s about making steps. We’ve been working at it for five or six weeks now,” he noted, as Ajax prepare to welcome Heracles Almelo to the Johan Cruyff ArenA next Sunday.

📸 KOEN VAN WEEL