Ajax coach Erik ten Hag is fed up with football after Benfica’s Champions League exit. Just like the players, the coach has now turned the switch for Sunday’s De Classic against Feyenoord.

“It’s clear that there is still disappointment and it will come, but a sportsman fought back and bounced back,” Ten Hag said at his press conference on Friday. “We’ve done it in the last few days. We’ve forgotten it. We can’t change it anymore and look to the future, we have an influence on it.”

However, Ten Hag also struggled to contain themselves after losing 0-1 to Benfica. “I’ve been watching a lot less football in the last few days. I’ve been done with that for a while. I’ve also been mainly involved with Feyenoord.”

In the past few days, Ten Hag has spoken to the selection to be able to process the blow. This was not only done by André Onana, the goalkeeper who made a mistake in Darwin Núñez’s goal.

“We’ve been in a lot of groups asking how we’re going to proceed and I’ve given directions for that. We have to get back to the positives as soon as possible. We also have to emphasize what went well. We had a great season. have the Champions League.”

Photo series: The last 15 classics in the Arena

‘Eliminate the bad taste for Feyenoord’

Ten Hag is delighted that, five days after elimination in the Champions League, The Classic against Feyenoord is on the program. “It’s a big game and with that we can really get rid of that bad feeling.”

Even so, Ten Hag doesn’t want to be too light about the duel with number three in the Eredivisie, who this season has been impressive under coach Arne Slot. “This is a completely different Feyenoord than we have seen in recent years. Feyenoord want to dominate the ball and play good positions. They can apply pressure with high intensity.”

Ten Hag says he doesn’t feel any extra pressure to be champions after being knocked out in the Champions League, even financially. “We’ve made a lot of money by winning six in a row and going through the winter in the Champions League. Players have positioned themselves on the map, which makes them even more valuable. The pressure was there every year, it didn’t change after that. Tuesday.”

Ajax-Feyenoord kicks off on Sunday at 14:30 at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam and is officiated by referee Danny Makkelie. League leaders Ajax are two points clear of number two PSV and eight points ahead of number three Feyenoord.