Nigeria Players Abroad
Ajax coach Míchel explains Arokodare’s substitution after equaliser vs PSV
Nigeria forward Tolu Arokodare scored his fifth goal for Ajax, but head coach Míchel Sánchez has revealed that a lack of energy contributed to the Nigerian striker’s substitution during Saturday’s 3-1 Eredivisie defeat to PSV.
Arokodare started the encounter at the Johan Cruyff Arena and scored Ajax’s equaliser after PSV had taken an early lead.
However, despite getting on the scoresheet, the 25-year-old was replaced by Kasper Dolberg shortly after the hour mark as Ajax struggled to maintain their intensity against the visitors.
Míchel explained after the match that he made the change because he felt Ajax needed fresh legs to improve their pressing and exploit the space behind PSV’s defence.
“Due to a lack of energy. He is a player we all support. Perhaps he wasn’t playing at his best level and we needed fresh legs to press and try to find space in behind the defence.”
The Spanish coach said the decision was part of a wider attempt to change the game, with Ajax also introducing Leonardo as they searched for a way back into the contest.
“I also tried to make a difference by looking for depth against the central defenders. Today, it didn’t work out.”
Míchel added that his substitutions were intended to ensure the team could maintain maximum intensity until the final whistle.
“The substitutions are meant so that the team can stay in the race at 100 percent. That is why we made them.”
The Ajax boss also admitted that he was not satisfied with Arokodare’s contribution during the opening stages, despite the striker eventually scoring.
According to Míchel, Arokodare had been given an important role as Ajax’s focal point and was expected to help the team retain possession and link up with his teammates.
“We said that he would be important as a focal point. He had to enable us to hold onto the ball and allow us to play as a team. I wasn’t pleased with his first actions.”
The coach subsequently challenged the Nigerian international to show greater determination and energy in his play.
“Ultimately, I am very passionate, and so is he. From the sidelines, we see everything much more clearly. I have asked him to put more determination and energy into his actions.”
Despite the criticism and Ajax’s disappointing result, Arokodare continues to make an impact since joining the Dutch giants.
His goal against PSV took his tally for Ajax to five goals, further underlining his strong start to life in Amsterdam.
Ajax, however, suffered their first league defeat of the season, with PSV scoring twice after Arokodare’s equaliser to claim a 3-1 victory.
Ajax will now look to bounce back when they travel to Fortuna Sittard on September 12.
