interviews

So, what is it like to be facing your former team, and some of your former players again?

Well, it’s always nice to see a team doing well after you leave. It’s no different with Ajax. I am happy for them and us that it’s going to an Arsenal-Ajax final.

What do you think of players like Flannen, Klompe, Michele, van Kijns, your former youngsters?

Well, I never had a doubt that they would one day form the core of Ajax. In fact, when you looked at the youth team at that time, it’s probably no different from the current team. I am not surprised to see them make it. In fact, I never doubted that Flannen would one day captain Ajax. And I think he has what it takes to captain the Netherlands.

So has Pieter Huysegem just promoted the youth team up?

Not really. He has brought in a few exciting players. Tokiwa Takuro for instance. That’s a real talent. So there’s a good mix of Academy talents, as well as imported talents.

So is there any Ajax player whom you might want to sign at the end of the season?

It’s too early for transfer speculation, especially as we have a big game tomorrow.

Mr Rensenbrink, Ajax have scored in every game this season, except in the 0-0 draw against Inter. Are you worried about their attack?

We are a great attacking team as well, so I am hoping it will be an exciting final.

Any players whom you have highlighted?

Thiers is always difficult to face. Because his greatest strength is his self-belief. He wants the ball, and every time he gets the ball, he believes he can do something with it. But having said that, they have many potential match-winners in their team. Sofronie, Tokiwa, Flannen, Yusuf, Battaglia.

How are your preparations for the game?

Well, it’s good.

Do you fancy your chances, because maybe between Barcelona and Ajax, Ajax are easier opponents?

Well, I think Ajax have shown their quality to get here, as we have shown ours. There is no easier way. Any team would be the same.
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Mr Huysegem, would you have preferred to play Milan, you know, for revenge?

I think we have moved on from that tie. The players have matured, some have moved on. So I think revenge is not really on our mind. So whether we play Milan or Arsenal, our motivation remains the same: we want to win the Champions’ League.

How big a threat is Jasper Kierkergaard?

He’s always a very good player. But Arsenal are of course, not about one man.

What is it like to see Kierkergaard playing against your team?

I won’t know, till it happens tomorrow. Then I can tell you, perhaps.

Any key players that you have highlighted in Arsenal’s team?
Well, they have a good team. Any player can be dangerous.

How would you approach the game?

Same as per normal.

Who would play on the wings then? Kafka, Yusuf, Thiers?

You will find out tomorrow.

Ajax have not been beaten since the second leg of the semi-final two seasons ago. Does that boost your confidence?

Well, every team is different. And let’s not kid ourselves. We have to work to preserve that record, and not count on that record to protect us. So, we don’t think about that.

Arsenal are the only team that outscored Ajax in the tournament this season. Any thoughts on that?

Well, then I hope it would be an exciting final between two attacking teams. And I hope both teams don’t let everyone down.

What do you think about Jerry Rensenbrink?

I think he’s one of the best manager in the world. He has done a tremendous job at Ajax, and now at Arsenal. I think his record speaks for itself.

Has it been a fairy tale for your team in the tournament so far?

Well, it has been a dream come true for us to reach the final, but we have certainly worked for it, believed in it, and it has paid off. But it is not over yet. There is still the final to play for.

So do you fancy your chances?

It’s 50-50 in any final.