All is not well in Amsterdam at the moment and Frank de Boer is hoping a clear-the-air meeting with his players will provide the catalyst for a turnaround in Ajax’s fortunes.
The reigning Eredivisie champions sit in sixth in the table off the back of a miserable run of domestic form which has seen them collect only four points from their last five league games.
The wheels came off with a 2-2 draw against PSV on September 18 and three more stalemates have followed either side of a surprise 1-0 away defeat by Groningen on October 2. Those following the latest football odds will have been surprised.
The Amsterdam giants are also involved in an arm wrestle with Lyon to join Group D leaders Real Madrid through to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.
The former Netherlands international de Boer is convinced Ajax are one win away from turning the corner and insists he has not lost faith in his players. Even those who bet Premier League money will know how the side usually dominates the Dutch league.
“Our poor performances are mostly the result of a mental problem in my opinion and don’t have anything to do with tactical issues,” De Boer told De Telegraaf.
He added: “I know what we’re capable of, though, and have a good feeling about the meeting with the players. Everybody got the chance to say how he feels.
“It’s hard to find an explanation for our poor run of form, but I’m hopeful that we can get back on track following this meeting.”
Ajax return to Eredivisie duty on Saturday when they travel to take on KNVB Beker opponents Roda JC for the second time in three days.
