Erwin is quite alright at the back
THE Dutch philosophy of football tends to ignore rigid positional play. It originates from the time of famous Netherlands coach Rinus Michels in the 1970s and applied so brilliantly by footballer extraordinaire, Johan Cruyff.
In simple terms, the Dutch believe that any outfield player should be capable of playing anywhere else on the field. New Ajax Cape Town coach Stanley Menzo is already infusing his squad with a sprinkling of this philosophy in his shifting of experienced attacker Erwin Isaacs to right-back.
When Ajax had Dutchman Foppe de Haan in charge in 2011 he, too, changed the positional outlook of players like Granwald Scott, George Maluleka and the late Cecil Lolo. Menzo, a former Ajax Amsterdam and Netherlands goalkeeper, looks to be on the same track of assessing the strengths of players and using them in positions that better suit their game.
When Ajax host PSL and African champions Mamelodi Sundowns at Cape Town Stadium tonight (7.30pm kickoff), Menzo’s brief tenure at the helm of the Cape club will be put to the test.
He has been rapidly working on improving the tactical discipline of the squad, while also trying to infuse the players with confidence. It’s the two things he has highlighted since assuming the job a month ago.
Ajax have been conceding too many soft goals because they lose shape and structure too easily when the opposition are in possession. And because they lack confidence, often players are afraid to take responsibility.
According to Isaacs, there has been improvement in this regard since Menzo took over. While Sundowns are currently the toast of the town, the 29-year-old believes the Urban Warriors can pull off a surprise tonight.
As for the change to rightback, Isaacs isn’t feeling out of place and he is rather enjoying himself. So, having made his debut as a right-wing for Santos in 2003, and having been an attacking player for most of his career, how difficult has the shift been for the popular footballer nicknamed “Appels”?
“Because I’ve always played as a right-wing, it hasn’t been all that tough,” said Isaacs. “As a position, it’s just slightly deeper, but it still involves making sure that you attack and defend all the time. For me, the change is just a mindset. To be honest, it’s not all that difficult.
“If you look at Sundowns, they are even using Thapelo Morena as a flank defender, and he, too, is usually a winger. So it’s not unusual. I still get to go forward, and it just means that I have to be a lot more aware of my defensive responsibilities.
“If anything, if I look at my performances at right-back over the last two games, I can perhaps improve my defence a bit more,” he added.
Isaacs is one of the veterans in the Ajax squad and he’s relishing his role in guiding the youngsters. He’s an important presence in the dressing-room.
“I’ve got the experience and I try to use my knowledge to guide the youngsters,” he said. “But for us as a team, old or young, it’s always about doing it together. As the coach regularly tells us, the team is more important than the individual. We will continue to work hard, we are strong together and we are looking to win the games we have remaining.”
Sundowns, who are in great form at the moment, will be an even tougher proposition tonight after coach Pitso Mosimane confirmed that former Ajax players Keagan Dolly and Khama Billiat will both be available. The star duo had been absent due to injury, but will be back to take on the team at which they made their name.
Over the years, since Ajax were established in 1999, the two clubs have met in the Mother City on 17 occasions – the Urban Warriors have won six, the Brazilians five and there have been six draws. It’s always been tightly-contested between the two clubs.
“Sundowns are on a good run, they’re African champions, but this is our home game,” said Isaacs. “We just have to give our best. We’ll see how it goes, but we’ve shown before that we can beat them.”