Van Basten vying to restore Ajax sheen
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Article summary
An eager Marco van Basten said that it felt "really good being back" as the former Netherlands coach led his first training session since returning to AFC Ajax.
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PSV ascendancy
A club legend for his goalscoring exploits in the Dutch capital over 20 years ago, the 43-year-old is aiming to bring Ajax back out from the shadow cast by PSV Eindhoven on the domestic and European scene in recent times. PSV have won the Eredivisie title in each of the last four seasons, leaving their fierce rivals with just two crowns to celebrate in the last decade – their last coming in 2004.
All change
Desperate to draw a line under the last four years, Ajax have made a number of changes ahead of the upcoming campaign. Uri Coronel is the new president, Danny Blind the new technical director and the club also have new sponsors. More than anything else, though, it is Van Basten's return that has the club's fans licking their lips. "The enthusiasm has been eye-catching," explained the 1988 UEFA European Championship winner. "I feel really good being back with Ajax. It's clear that the whole club is longing for the title, so that is our goal."
Strike duo
Supporting Van Basten will be his former national team assistants John van't Schip and Rob Witschge, while club officials have also made significant investments to help bring about a new dawn. Forwards Miralem Sulejmani and Darío Cvitanich have been recruited for a combined total of €23 million and Van Basten is also on the hunt for a centre-back to replace Club Atlético de Madrid signing Johnny Heitinga.
Turning point
"We're still looking for a kind of Jaap Stam, but we're very happy with our two purchases," said Van Basten. "Huge amounts have been spent to reinforce the squad, which is a real turning point in the Ajax spending policy. For me, the return of Danny Blind as technical director is also a big reinforcement for the club. He is a true Ajax man and knows what happens in the world of football."
European success
With their ambition having been given fresh impetus, Ajax are also longing for success on the European stage. "We will also see how far we can get in the UEFA Cup," explained Van Basten. "At Ajax, it is all about performing. That means winning a lot, and preferably with good and attractive football. That's what we will work on. It feels good to be back here and working with the players every day, and that's where the challenge is for me."
