Burnley content after defeat, hailing Ajax’s Champions League level

Belgian manager Nicky Hayen said Burnley could be satisfied after Sunday’s 2-1 friendly loss at the Johan Cruijff Arena, noting that Ajax operate at Champions League level and highlighting Jadon Banel’s decisive strike.

Ajax secured a 2-1 victory over the Clarets, but Hayen stressed that the result did not diminish the quality of his side’s performance against a strong opponent.

Hayen told club channels, “I think we can be satisfied. We played against a strong opponent. Ajax is of Champions League level, even when they field youngsters who do not always get playing time.” He had joined Burnley from Genk last summer.

Jadon Banel, the 21‑year‑old attacker, celebrated his goal, saying, “I am happy because I played a long time at Ajax. It felt good to score.” The former Ajax youth product had made nine official first‑team appearances for the Dutch club without finding the net.

Banel added, “This club still means a lot to me. I have played almost my whole career there. It gave a nice feeling to play again at the Johan Cruijff Arena, especially with my family and friends watching.”

Banel left Ajax in the summer of 2025 for Burnley, after which he was loaned to Derby County, where he featured in fourteen Championship matches last season. He now seeks a regular place at Burnley, a side that was relegated from the Premier League last season.

Looking ahead, Banel hopes his performances will earn him a consistent role at Burnley, while Hayen remains optimistic about the squad’s development after testing themselves against a club he regards as Champions League quality.