Ajax’s defensive woes linger as Míchel Sánchez seeks fixes before Sion clash

Ajax entered the final Europese Conference League qualifier against FC Sion on Tuesday evening, still without a clean sheet after conceding seven goals in five pre‑season matches, Míchel Sánchez warned that defensive stability must improve. He stressed the need to protect possession and shrink spaces when the ball is lost.

Ajax have entered the final European Conference League qualifier against FC Sion without having recorded a single clean sheet in the preceding rounds. De Dutch side has conceded seven goals in five matches, a tally that Míchel Sánchez described as unacceptable.

Defensive frailties in European qualifiers

In the five European fixtures, Ajax faced Serbian side Vojvodina and Irish side Shelbourne, matches that the club counts as refined friendlies. Van those encounters the team allowed seven goals while scoring eight. The results were 1‑4 loss to Vojvodina away, 4‑1 home win, 3‑1 home win over Shelbourne, 2‑2 away draw, and a 2‑4 win at home against FC Sion.

Míchel Sánchez's tactical overhaul

Aan de nieuwe keeper, Marc ter Stegen, Ajax added a world‑class presence, yet both he and second‑choice Maarten Paes have seen opponents create danger in the Conference League matches. Míchel Sánchez said the team must defend more stably and avoid playing far from its own goal.

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Met the aim of tightening the midfield, Sánchez highlighted the need for a new number 6, calling the midfield the key to controlling games. He also signalled interest in two new wingers after Mika Godts left, with Viktor Tsygankov expected to be the first arrival.

En the defensive line has been reshaped after Ahmetcan Kaplan, Ko Itakura and Josip Sutalo departed to free salary space. Only the 18‑year‑old right‑footed centre‑back Aaron Bouwman remains, though Sánchez does not rule out a left‑footed player filling the role.

Youri Baas was tried alongside Daley Blind in a friendly against Burnley, but Blind is currently injured and his return date is unclear. Baas remains eligible for a transfer, with Eintracht Frankfurt reportedly interested. En the club also gave a chance to Dies Janse, who missed much of preparation through injury but is praised by Cruijff and Sánchez, who said, “We have high expectations of him.”

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Julian Brandt expressed disappointment after conceding a goal in the duel with Sion, with Youri Baas (left) and Marc Stegen standing behind him. © Pro ShotsJulian Brandt lamented the setback, a moment captured in the pre‑match photo.