Sanchez slams Ajax's 3-1 win, defends Leonardo and backs Godts

At the Johan Cruyff Arena, Ajax trainer Michel Sanchez watched his side limp to a 3-1 home victory over Shelbourne in the Conference League third‑round first leg, yet he voiced disappointment, defended the unlucky Marcos Leonardo and urged the club to keep promising youngster Mika Godts.

Sanchez said the result could have been better despite the three‑goal margin. He stressed that the performance fell short of the standards he expects.

"We created many chances for fifty minutes," he explained, highlighting the attacking intent his team displayed. The coach noted that the sustained pressure should have produced a more comfortable win.

He added that in the final half hour they allowed the opposition to breathe in possession and then conceded a goal after a counter‑attack. "That was not good," Sanchez concluded, pointing to a lapse in defensive concentration.

Defending Marcos Leonardo, Sanchez described the forward's contribution as unlucky and emphasized the need to retain Mika Godts. "We need him," he affirmed, underlining the youngster's importance for future matches.