The Dutch football media can be harsher than in the UK, and Ajax’s poor 2023/24 season saw a lot of criticism sent towards the club and players.
Chuba Akpom’s move from Middlesbrough was repeatedly questioned, and there’s even been claims of a potential return to English football, with Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough among those credited with interest.
Having left Middlesbrough with high hopes attached, Akpom had to play second fiddle to Brian Brobbey at Ajax, bit he still managed to score 11 league goals in the club’s poor Eredivisie season.
The player himself has now dismissed talk of a quick Amsterdam exit, and NOS quote him as saying: “I tried to be important in the minutes I got. That’s the only thing I could do. Stay professional and make the best of it. I’m happy with that.
“I would very much like to continue working under this new coach.”
The new coach, Francesco Farioli, appears to have changed everything for Akpom and he sounds very optimistic about the future.
“You can feel the positive vibe he’s brought here. I think all the guys are enjoying it so far. We’ve had a great time this past month.
“Yes, you can see that clearly. Along the pitch during the match, he is very fanatical. He’s into it. I like that very much, it feels like he is not only the manager, but part of the team. Like an extra player on the field. I see that as something very positive.”
Hopefully Akpom can now find what he left Middlesbrough for, and aim for trophies with Ajax and some European football.
After the hard time of his first season he certainly deserves it.
