14 Sep 2011: Ajax - Olympique Lyonnais

[Kowalczyk]

Champions League group stage, matchday 1!

K.

[kezme44]

a must win. if not, we are knee-deep in shit already

[Blind3]

Found the Lyon selection on Twitter courtesy of F-Side web page :

Selectie Olympique Lyon voor duel van woensdag tegen Ajax
12-09-11 AjaxF-side.NL Wedstrijdselectie Olympique Lyon voor duel tegen Ajax:
Lloris, Vercoutre, Lopes, Réveillère, Gassama, Dabo, Cissokho, B.Koné, Lovren, Mensah, Gonalons, Källström, Fofana, Pied, Bastos, Briand, Grenier, Gomis, Lacazette en Belfodil.

[Kowalczyk]

a must win. if not, we are knee-deep in shit already

Yes. It's a tricky situation. The first game is normally not crucial, but in this group it is, if Ajax would like to advance.

If we want something we must beat Zagreb twice. The two Real Madrid games will, obviously, be lost (nothing to be ashamed of). That means we need at least three points from the two Lyon games.

Lyon at home is a must-win. I totally agree.

Having said that, I have to admit that I don't give a toss about the Champions League. Group stage, first knock-out round, round of sixteen... what does it matter? We're not gonna make it to the quarter finals anyway, we hardly belong in the Champions League. I'm thinking of the PSV game already. That's way more important. I think I posted this somewhere else already: I would be more than happy to finish 4th in our CL group if we could beat PSV, Twente and AZ in exchange.

K.

[Orange14]

In addition, at 23.4 years of age on average Ajax are the youngest team in the CL. While it's fun to see our youngsters play in the CL, the Eredivisie must always be the number one goal have a crucial match come up right afterwards is difficult (though PSV will have one less day of rest because of their EL fixture). While we all would like to revisit the historical victory in 1995, don't be under the illusion that it will happen. Too much money chasing too few galacticos at the highest level. As long as we stay true to Ajax football, I will be happy regardless of the result.

[Blind3]

Happy to see Ajax get the monetary reward that playing in the CL group stage brings, but also would happily trade any CL success for league success. No CL illusions of grandeur here.

[ajaxcolombia]

If it was up to me, I'd play a reserve side against Lyon. Not only would it serve the purpose of resting our players for the match against light bulbs fc, but it would send a message about the diffculty of teams that don't get huge loans and/or sugar daddy money to compete on the european stage.

[Venezuelan Ajacied]

Sad but true...the fun old days when teams from Romania, Yugoslavia, Netherlands etc etc could win a Champions League title are over. Sometimes i wonder why we even watch that shit. Its always going to be the same 4-6 teams in the semifinals every year. They should just play a mini play-off and be done with it.

[ajaxcolombia]

Another thing...we will never enjoy the benefits of having our players gain experience in the champions league since they will be gone anyway in about two or three years. so, really, what's the point? Oh right the money so we can find or develop half decent replacements for them.

[Ayman]

I am mortified by the text im seeing Come on if for arguments sake, ajax were to win 5-1 you would be talking about the return of the glory days. However Im hoping for a 3-1 victory, I wouldnt be so happy if Ajax win 2-1. Im just concerned that Anita isnt in midfield to replace Siem de Jong (dont get me wrong I like the kid, but he is better off as a super sub).

[ajaxcolombia]

The problem is not whether ajax wins 5-1 or not against Lyon. I think this kind of talk is only a consequence of having to play light blulbs on sunday after this game.

[souras84]

once you get a sopcast stream please share

[Monkey Tonk]

If it was up to me, I'd play a reserve side against Lyon. Not only would it serve the purpose of resting our players for the match against light bulbs fc, but it would send a message about the diffculty of teams that don't get huge loans and/or sugar daddy money to compete on the european stage.

Definitely more important not to drop points in the national league because of CL fatigue than to 'win the CL'. But the home crowd deserves the big game, so send the B-squad to the away matches instead.

On a sidenote, nothing lasts forever. Corporate greed and corruption are no exception. There will be a time again for clubs like Ajax to shine internationally. Until then, f*ck the UEFA.

[kraz11]

sopcast links anyone?

quite dissapointed to see the same line up as always this season
we need a real defensive midfielder today Anita instead of De jong
oh well maybe Siem will shut me up today let's hope so

[SPL]

CL and what it stands for has been destroyed by money . Only 6 or 7 clubs can hope to win it , RM, Barca, Man C, Man U Chelski,and maybe AC.Milan and Inter,they have all the top players and money .

We still have the memory and knowledge that our team in the early 70's ,which cost nothing ,still are regarded as one of the all time greatest football teams
and played a very special and unique style of football. Barca , who are getting all the current praise and quite right too, have been heavily influenced by our club and its players and coaches. No dodgy Russian or Arab money can evertake that away from our beautiful and very special club.


Still want us to win and will be good to see it on sky rather than internet stream .Will have to put up with a couple of wallies commentating who will know sod all about my team.

[kraz11]

By the way i dont agree with you
a club like Ajax belongs in the the champions league and should never
play reserves or something like that
we can win both against lyon and then psv

[Orange14]

sopcast links anyone?

quite dissapointed to see the same line up as always this season
we need a real defensive midfielder today Anita instead of De jong
oh well maybe Siem will shut me up today let's hope so

13th stream should work as it's listed as carrying the match - Channel 106491

[orange goblin]

I would have fielded enoh and put anita at LB for a phisically stronger team at least in the CL where you need it, but the coach confirmed his choices. GO AJAX!!!

[Ayman]

15 minutes played. How are Ajax doing?

[Cedric]

Rather good but not much chances so far.

[Cedric]

And a huge misser by Lyon...

[Ayman]

oh ok. Can you post the site of the stream cedric please

[Cedric]

I'm on SopCast, 13th stream.

[Jojo]

Is Siem playing?! Haven't seen him so far...

[souras84]

Lyon has a counter attack plan with 8 people always behind the ball and I think we need Anita in for de jong