Peter Bosz is especially critical of his team's first half after the 3-2 defeat in Amsterdam. "After halftime it went better and you have to decide the game," says the coach, who states that it was not due to a lack of eagerness.
Why do you lose this game?
"We were not good in the first half. During pressure there was a lot of doubt and in possession we were sloppy. The pace was too slow to destroy an opponent. In the second half we started well and had the game in our hands. But then you have to decide the game. We didn't do that and then in ninety minutes it's not good enough."
So what did you say at halftime?
"I put it to the team: are we going to put pressure as men or are we going to go lower. The guys wanted to put full pressure. After that, we became more dangerous."
Was it a wrong choice to put Malik at six?
"He played very well there for two games and now less so. It's not a traditional six, but he can do it. That he gives that ball away, I do think it's because of a bit of inexperience at that position."
Were you tactically surprised?
"There were two scenarios we had trained on and one turned out to be reality. So we weren't surprised. The execution was just not good enough. With that we also let Ajax come into the game, the stadium gets behind it and you end up shortchanging yourself."
Do you think there is laziness in the team?
"Absolutely not. Nobody came here with the feeling that we were just going to win."
But Ajax did look more eager.
"Then it looks that way because of the football we play. If you don't execute that well, it looks lax. But it wasn't in eagerness today."
What is the biggest challenge for you right now this season?
"The coaching profession is not about one button. It's very complex. Football is a team sport with all kinds of individuals. They all have to have the same thoughts. They are all champions and then that brings a disadvantage; Everyone wants to win from you. That demands something extra from us. It's up to me to keep them on their toes."