Thijmen Blokzijk and Tika de Jonge eye Volendam after Ajax draw

Two FC Groningen players, defender Thijmen Blokzijk and midfielder Tika de Jonge, expressed secret satisfaction that their team will meet Ajax in the playoff semi‑final. The match will be played in Volendam.

Both players said they see the encounter with Ajax as an opportunity rather than a threat. They hinted that the venue in Volendam could work in Groningen’s favour.

Blokzijk, a defender, and de Jonge, a midfielder, are members of FC Groningen, known as "De Trots van het Noorden". Their optimism reflects the squad’s confidence.

The semi‑final is part of the Dutch league’s promotion/relegation playoffs. Facing Ajax, a traditionally strong side, adds significance to the fixture.

The game will take place in Volendam, a neutral ground for both clubs. Groningen hopes to exploit the setting to create chances.

The team will aim to turn their optimism into performance when the match kicks off, targeting a positive result against Ajax.