Menzo knows what the problem is so now the players have to step up

AJAX CAPE TOWN head coach Stanley Menzo knows exactly what is wrong with his struggling team – the challenge is to find solutions to the problems.

The former Ajax Amsterdam goalkeeper highlighted two issues he believes are at the root of Ajax’s woes: “We have to create more chances and we have to defend better.”

Next up for Ajax will be a tough, tricky trip to Goble Park in Bethlehem to take on an improving Free State Stars on October 18, and Menzo is hoping to have infused the team with a touch more confidence by then.

After last week’s disappointing defeat to the noisy neighbours, Cape Town City, Menzo has an opportunity during the international break to try and get into the heads of his players. Because, talent and ability are certainly not the problem.

Ajax are definitely going to have to find a way to turn things around, and quickly too. It may still be early in the season, but that’s no consolation.

If anything, Ajax should be keenly aware of the situation. They’ve been in similar positions over the last few seasons, when they’ve started badly and the players battled to regain their confidence and composure. Now, after six games and just five points, the Cape side finds itself in 13th position on the 16-team PSL log.

In fact, even in a friendly against new National First Division club Ubuntu Cape Town on Wednesday, the same defensive frailties were on show. Ajax were 3-0 up and cruising and then allowed the opposition to rally and finish the contest at 3-2.

“I don’t think our defence, as such, is bad, it’s just that we need to defend better as a team,” said Menzo. “Against Ubuntu, we scored three goals, but then we allowed the opponents to score twice – that was unnecessary. We have to learn to control the game when we are leading and not allow the opposition to play between our lines.”

As for the team’s offensive play, Ajax are struggling to get any fluency to their game. When they are at their best, in terms of their intended philosophy, when the constant mobility of the players allows them to build up well and create opportunities, then they are a joy to watch.

“I don’t think we have to change too much, we just have to work harder at it,” said the Ajax coach. “We have to get in the opponent’s penalty area more, we need to make better runs and better passes, and we need to be more clinical in the final third.”

As for the derby defeat, Menzo is hoping the players take note of how they are feeling at the moment, and that the loss inspires them to start playing to their potential. In essence, they have to use the hurt and turn it into something positive.

“I hope the players are disappointed in the derby defeat, I hope they see it as a missed opportunity,” said Menzo. “It was a chance for us to beat City. But we have to go on and keep working on things. For me, I want to forget the derby as quickly as possible. As I said, the loss was about our mistakes, but that’s football.