UNITED V AJAX Glow taken off the final says Ajax boss
AJAX coach Peter Bosz says the Europa League final has lost its glow after Monday’s bombing in Manchester.
Bosz joined those expressing sympathy, shock and solidarity, with the atrocity taking the edge off the club’s first major final in 21 years.
“What happened in Manchester is something that we all feel at Ajax,” he said ahead of tonight’s match.
“On behalf of the players and the staff, we at Ajax would like to express sympathy with the victims.
“The feeling that prevails is that the final doesn’t have the glow it should have.
“It should be a football feast, but because of events in Manchester we’re all affected, particularly as we’re playing against Manchester.
“It’s horrible. My heartfelt sympathies.”
Bosz has spoken to his players about an incident that has hit home with many of the Ajax players, given their wives and children recently went to see American pop star Grande in Amsterdam.
Asked if the final should have been postponed, he said: “That’s not up to us. I’m just a coach. Other people have to decide that. I’m here for the game.”
The Stockholm finale offers Ajax the chance to win their first major continental trophy since 1995 and, in keeping with their traditions, a young, attack-minded side is charged with securing a famous win.
“Of course we got to a final with a certain way of playing, which is our forte,” Bosz said. “We try not to change what we did before.
“The opposition can of course force you to play a different kind of football.”