Ajax chief executive says ‘things are clicking’ at Dutch giants

LONDON: Edwin van der Sar says he still has things he wants to accomplish at Ajax as he aims to re-establish the Dutch giants as one of Europe’s top clubs. Ajax host Juventus in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday (20:00 BST), having stunned holders Real Madrid in the last 16. A 4-1 win in Madrid sent the four-time European champions into the last eight for the first time in 16 years.

“That feeling was immense,” the Ajax chief executive told BBC Sport.

“The way we put ourselves forward, putting the name back on a lot of people’s minds, that was fantastic.”

Van der Sar, who was part of the last Ajax side to lift the Champions League trophy in 1995, returned to the Amsterdam club as marketing director when his playing career ended, before becoming CEO. The former goalkeeper was initially approached by Ajax legend Johan Cruyff during his final season playing at Manchester United.

“He called me and said there was a possibility they were looking to find an ex-player, who has had a great and amazing career, and create a position on the board of Ajax,” said Van der Sar.

“I took on the challenge. I didn't know if I would like it – long meetings, hours on the negotiation tables, a lot of papers to read, representation jobs, going with Uefa, Fifa, the Dutch federation.

“Things are clicking. I am really happy with the place, the position, and the way Ajax is developing.”

Alongside their Champions League run, Ajax are top of the Eredivisie as they look for a first league title since 2014 and have also reached the Dutch cup final. Van der Sar’s work has led to him being linked with a return to Manchester United in a similar role, but the 48-year-old former Netherlands international says that “is not on my mind”.

“I am getting a lot of energy from it,” he said of his Ajax role. It is hard work. I think you can only do this for clubs you have an affection with, and for the coming years I am happy in Amsterdam. This year is fantastic. We want to win the league a couple of times, and after that we will see what the world of football is going to bring me.” (IANS)

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