Davy Klaassen: 'Of course nobody here at Ajax wants that'

Davy Klaassen speaks to Ajax Life about the latest situation at Ajax. The midfielder reflects, among other things, on the home match against sc Heerenveen, when a comfortable 2-0 lead slipped away after the break.

Klaassen does not know whether Sunday's dip was necessarily down to fitness. ''There are other factors at play as well. We had a good and intensive pre-season. So I do not think fitness is a problem either. In more difficult moments in the match, it is important that we make good decisions, both with and without the ball.''

The experienced player has already put the draw against Heerenveen behind him. Focus now turns to the first meeting with FC Sion in the Conference League play-offs. Klaassen has a fair idea of what awaits in Switzerland on Thursday.

''The coaching staff are preparing us in these days for the specific strengths and weaknesses of FC Sion. We want to produce a good result as the next step towards the main tournament. That is what we are going for,'' said the combative Klaassen, who knows Ajax are facing a crucial two-legged tie in Europe.

''Of course nobody here wants a season without European football,'' Klaassen puts into words the feeling within the Ajax squad. ''I do not want to think about that either. So everyone is fully aware of how important Thursday's match is. I already had that feeling in the earlier rounds, by the way.''

Finally, Klaassen expresses his appreciation for the Ajax fans, who will once again fill the away end on Thursday. ''A full away end gives us support, wherever you are. And I also think it is wonderful to see that so many Ajax supporters always travel with us. I am very grateful to them for that, because it really is no small thing to keep being there time and again.''

Ajax kick off against FC Sion on Thursday at 20:15. The return match follows a week later at the Johan Cruyff ArenA.