Ajax-captain Bergwijn merkt verschil: 'We missed top fitness last season'
Steven Bergwijn still feels the pain of missing out on Champions League football with Ajax. The newly appointed captain of the Amsterdam team feels fitter than ever before and is determined to qualify for the billion-dollar tournament with his club this season.
In the upcoming season, the top two teams in the Eredivisie will qualify directly for the Champions League, something that Ajax must achieve at all costs, according to Bergwijn. "Because I now feel the pain of not playing in the Champions League. Ajax is the biggest club in the Netherlands and belongs in the Champions League," he tells De Telegraaf.
On Tuesday, it was announced that Bergwijn would be the new captain of Ajax. The Dutch international feels fitter than ever and also notices a difference compared to last season. "The training sessions are long and we have to do a lot of running, but it's really the best for us. We missed that top fitness last season," Bergwijn continues, who has worked hard to return as physically strong as possible. "From a young age, I take good care of my body because muscle injuries are always a risk for fast, explosive players. They can never be completely prevented, but I do everything I can to minimize the chances."
Bergwijn, who joined Ajax from Tottenham Hotspur last season, had a strong start at Ajax. As the season progressed, he struggled with his form. "It's also difficult for an individual in those situations. It had an impact on my game, which is not surprising because I couldn't do it alone. As a forward, I rely a lot on intuition, and when the team is performing well, you have a lot of freedom. But in a rough patch, you receive more instructions, which doesn't always help me. I have my qualities, I can bring something special, and I have always stayed true to myself. I know what I can do."
