Ajax vs Dinamo Zagreb preview - Jurcic aims to mimic Ajax style
Posted Wednesday, November 02, 2011 by PA
Dinamo Zagreb coach Krunoslav Jurcic is hoping his side can beat Ajax at their own game in Amsterdam and maintain an interest in the Champions League.
Having lost their opening three fixtures in Group D, Dinamo know realistically only three points at the ArenA will do and Jurcic believes adopting a similar pass-and-move approach to that used by their opponents could be the best method to achieve a win.
Jurcic told www.vecernji.hr: "Ajax have their own style of play which they adhere to strictly.
"We are trying to assemble our own style but we too always like to play football."
Jurcic, whose side lost 2-0 at home to Ajax on matchday three, knows winning at the Eredivisie champions is a tough ask, however.
"If we fail to confront Ajax when they are in possession of the ball then our chances of winning are reduced," he said.
"We need to play as a team as it's difficult to beat Ajax. Normally in a good team, one player pops up, usually a striker, but against Ajax we need all 11 players playing at a high level.
"We are travelling with great optimism that we can take the points, the team is in good spirits.
"We must be patient but also confident that our style of play can bring a result."
A win for Ajax would mean they are assured of a top-three finish in the pool and at least a place in the Europa League after Christmas.
Midfielder Siem de Jong is still targeting a place in the top two, however, as Ajax bid to become the first Dutch club in 16 years to advance to the last 16 of the Champions League.
De Jong told reporters at a press conference this afternoon: "For all the players it is important to still be in Europe after the winter.
"We want the best possible, and that is the Champions League, and we will go for that.
"I hope we can take a first step towards that, with the next step in Lyon (on matchday five).
"Every player wants to stay in the Champions League as long as possible. Last year we might have managed to do it, which is why we are even more eager to progress this year."
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