Ajax coach Míchel Sánchez critical: 'He did not play well enough'

Míchel Sánchez was pleased with his side's display after the Conference League play-off against FC Sion, despite Ajax going behind in Switzerland in their 2-4 win. "I am happy with the team's performance," the Spaniard told Ajax Life. "We created three or four chances before the goal we conceded. After it became 1-0, the game opened up. Both goalkeepers were in good form."

The Spanish coach sees the win as an important first step, but insists Ajax are not there yet. "This is an important result ahead of the return leg at the Johan Cruijff Arena. Every match is different. We have to perform well again next week to reach the league phase of the Conference League."

Most of all, Míchel liked the way his players responded after the break. "The mentality in the second half was fantastic. If you are 1-0 down, it can become a tough task. I am very happy with players like Steven Berghuis and Davy Klaassen. They stood up. And Davy scores a classy goal."

Against Sion, Marcos Leonardo came into the starting line-up and scored for the first time in Ajax colours, but his coach still wanted more. "It is important for him and the team that he scored, but he did not play well enough. He is still in a process."

Off the bench, Tolu Arokodare also got on the scoresheet. Míchel had far more praise for the Nigerian striker. "Tolu brought a lot of energy when he came on. He works hard, he scores and he helps us."

Arokodare has also earned his coach's appreciation off the pitch. "He has a good character. I think he is a nice lad. I hope he continues to help us in this way," said Míchel, who described his striker as a 'good guy'.

Next week in Amsterdam, Ajax must turn their strong position into a place in the league phase of the Conference League. Míchel stressed that every match matters in the process the club are going through: "We are building the mentality and quality. For Ajax, every match is important. We have to fight for wins and bring the club back to where it belongs."