|
|
Theo Janssen: Ajax are not favourites for the title
Jul 22, 2012 12:08:00 PM
The 30-year-old feels the team must strengthen in the transfer window if they are to defend their Eredivisie crown, with a replacement for Jan Vertonghen their highest priority
Ajax midfielder Theo Janssen does not believe his side should be considered title favourites ahead of the coming season.The Godenzonen claimed their 31st Eredivisie crown last term, finishing six points clear of nearest rivals Feyenoord despite having to overcome a string of injury and off-the-field boardroom problems.
However, midfielder Janssen has moved to dispel suggestions that his side are favourites to defend their title, insisting that some new faces are needed to add experience to the young team – not least a replacement for defender Jan Vertonghen, who has joined Tottenham Hotspur.
"Some of the key players from last season are gone, there will be new players who must stand up. This is what I'm worried about," Janssen said to Eredivisie live after Ajax's 4-0 friendly win over Celtic.
“We have to wait and see what happens. We are not title contenders, we need new players. A new, experienced central defender, a leader, for example."
Janssen played no part in the convincing win over the Scottish champions after picking up an injury earlier in the week, but the 30-year-old is hoping to be fit in time for the new season.
"I picked up a problem last Tuesday on my calf, and I’ve only been in training for the last two days," he revealed.
“The coach [Frank de Boer] said he would have preferred me to train properly first before taking risks.
"The goal is to get fit. Then it's a wait until the games get serious.”
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets |
|
| Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached! |
|
| Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET! |
|
Related Stories
Inside Goal.Com
-
Ancelotti’s departure leaves PSG in a pickle
With the Italian bound for Spain, the Ligue 1 champions face an uncertain immediate future
-
Cartoon: Bayern & Dortmund given licence to thrill
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day
-
Soulless EPL must face up to grim reality
After a season marred by controversy and a failure of its top teams to put up a credible Champions League challenge, the world's supposed best league is falling behind
-
-
Why Real Madrid are appointing Ancelotti
After the decision to dispense with Jose Mourinho was announced on Monday, the Spanish side have set their sights on the PSG coach, and he looks like the ideal man for the job
