Former Brighton defender reveals Ajax coach’s frustration with Tolu Arokodare

Former Brighton & Hove Albion defender Hans Kraay Jr. says he witnessed growing frustration from Ajax coach Michel Sanchez towards Tolu Arokodare during the Eredivisie match against Sparta Rotterdam.

Ajax won the game at Spartastadion Het Kasteel on October 25, with Arokodare scoring the decisive goal in first-half stoppage time.

Kraay Jr. was seated directly behind the Ajax coach and said Michel appeared dissatisfied with the Nigerian striker’s performance throughout the match, despite Arokodare eventually making the difference.

Writing in his column via Head Topics, Kraay Jr. questioned the identity of Ajax’s main striker before describing the tension he had observed between the coach and the Wolves loanee.

“I’ll be honest with you, I don’t even know anymore who Ajax’s number 9 is and remains,” he wrote.

“I was sitting right behind Michel during the match against Sparta, and he was annoyed by Tolu throughout the entire game.

“He felt that he wasn’t pressing, was too static in possession, and just when Tolu thought: well, I can cause quite a stir, he was chased by his coach the entire match.”

Arokodare answered his manager’s concerns with a technically accomplished finish that secured the victory.

The goal was his ninth for Ajax in 14 games since joining the club.

“Out of anger, he sent the 1-2 into the net with technical perfection, because he really is a cool finisher by now,” Kraay Jr. added.