Jacobs wary of Ajax

Posted Thursday, October 01, 2009 by PA

Ariel Jacobs' Anderlecht sit proudly top of Europa League Group A after the first round of matches but the coach insists Ajax are the strongest team in the pool and the remaining sides are fighting for second place.

Victor Bernardez and Jonathan Legear struck late on as RSCA snatched an impressive 2-0 win at Dinamo Zagreb a fortnight ago - and with it top spot in the group as Ajax were held to a goalless home draw by Romanian outfit FC Timisoara.

Martin Jol's Amsterdammers travel to the Constant Vanden Stock Stadion looking for three points to kick-start their European campaign, and Jacobs is full of respect for the visitors.

"Ajax represents the Dutch soccer school and has proven that over several generations through training and scouting players," he said.

Jacobs was particularly impressed with the 6-0 romp Jol's side enjoyed against NAC Breda in the Eredivisie on September 13.

"Ajax applied early pressure and NAC remained naive to their forward play. The result said much about the power of Ajax," he said.

"Martin Jol has a fine coaching record. He has been heralded as a saviour this summer - that says it all.

"Ajax is the strongest in this group. The other teams are competing for the second position."

Central midfielder Lucas Biglia is doubtful for the hosts after sitting out training on Tuesday with hip and groin problems.

Ajax travelled to Brussels without assistant coach John van't Schip, who has been granted permission to remain in Amsterdam amid speculation linking him with a move to become Melbourne Heart head coach.

Uruguay full-back Bruno Silva and Serbia forward Miralem Sulejmani have been included in Jol's 19-man Ajax squad for what will be the first competitive meeting between the two teams.