Míchel Sánchez eyes Leonardo, Godts and Baas ahead of Zwolle opener

At Ajax’s training ground Sportpark De Toekomst, Spanish coach Míchel Sánchez dissected the weekend’s lessons as the echo of the final whistle lingered, after the Dutch side’s 3-1 victory over Shelbourne FC. He now turns his full attention to the Eredivisie opening match at PEC Zwolle on Sunday at 14:30.

Sánchez’s post‑match analysis centered on three players whose form will decide the starting lineup against Zwolle. Marcos Leonardo, the club’s most expensive purchase, remains under the microscope after a performance where his finishing did not match his price tag. The Spanish coach kept criticism mild, pointing to mitigating circumstances.

“He is still getting used to it,” Sánchez said of Leonardo. “The rhythm, the intensity, the expectations – it takes time. We are working on it.”

Mika Godts, a summer graduate of the youth academy, was deployed in midfield. He showed moments of calm but was guilty of ball loss when pressed by opponents.

Youri Baas, used as right‑back, was stable defensively but struggled to advance the ball into attack.

“They are both talented and dedicated, but we are not there yet. The margins at this level are razor‑thin,” Sánchez added.

The conversation after the Shelbourne win was dominated by the Dutch side’s profligacy in front of goal, despite the 3-1 scoreline. This highlights the urgency of sharpening the attacking output before the Zwolle‑opener.

With the Eredivisie season kicking off at PEC Zwolle on Sunday, Sánchez’s focus on integrating Leonardo, Godts and Baas underscores the early challenges Ajax faces in turning investment into performance.