Having been defeated by Liverpool in their opening UEFA Champions League group match of the 2020/21 edition, Ajax will now need to ensure they are able to pick up points against Atalanta BC and FC Midtjylland.
However, it seems the contest against the Reds has left something juicy for when the two sides go up against each other later in the competition in the reverse fixture. Bettors can look to make the most of this match by using sites such as online-betting.org to get the best odds available to them.
The Premier League side’s manager, Jurgen Klopp, was critical of the Johan Cruijff ArenA pitch following the game; something that Erik ten Hag took exception to.
In fact, he took so much exception to the comment that he fired back at the German and said he should be more concerned about the state of the Anfield pitch.
After the final whistle, Klopp questioned the state of the field at Ajax, with the second half having been played primarily during a torrential downpour.
He told BT Sport (per Liverpool Echo): “I really think the pitch was really tricky. It was like deep, muddy a little bit.”
The Reds boss later said to Ziggo Sport: “Surprisingly, the pitch was not good. I thought a football playing side would have a good pitch.
“A few days ago the players were flying physically but they all looked like it was really tough today.”
Ten Hag, though, hit back at those comments and made fired back with his own remark, perhaps in a game of one-upmanship.
“Klopp saying the pitch was bad? I don’t think the pitch was bad, no,” said the Ajax manager.
“Let’s hope we get a better pitch at Anfield then.”
Focus changes for Ajax
Whilst the comments will no doubt provide some intrigue into the reverse fixture between the two sides on 1st December, Ajax and Ten Hag will be turning their focus and attention to more pressing matters.
The Eredivisie giants return to league action over the weekend when they take on VVV-Venlo away from home before making the trip to Italy to face Atalanta BC.
Indeed, that UEFA Champions League contest could play a huge role in who manages to qualify for the latter stages of the competition.
The Serie A outfit were impressive in last season’s tournament as they managed to reach the knockout stages and were only eliminated by runners-up Paris Saint-Germain in a close-fought contest.
Atalanta are in good form as well, having defeated FC Midtjylland 4-0 in their campaign opener.
