Ajax's goalkeeper Remko Pasveer has been forced to pull out of the Eredivisie match against Go Ahead Eagles at the last minute due to fitness concerns. With the match set to kick off at 14:30 at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, Ajax's coach Francesco Farioli has confirmed Matheus, who recently joined the club from Braga, will take over the starting position.
The decision to replace Pasveer, who has been integral to Ajax’s lineup this season, is significant. According to Ajax spokespersons, Pasveer was deemed insufficiently fit to play, leading to his last-minute exclusion from the squad. "Hij heeft een kleine blessure, voelde zich niet goed genoeg. Matheus staat op doel. We hebben vertrouwen in hem, hij is heel professioneel en heeft een geweldige carrière gehad tot dusver," Farioli stated, underscoring his confidence in Matheus as the capable replacement.
Pasveer's absence is not the only change faced by Ajax heading to the game. Farioli has implemented several other strategic shifts, particularly within the attacking lineup. With the team previously facing Union Saint-Gilloise, the Italian manager has opted for fresh faces up front, reshaping his squad to face the Deventer side.
Highlighting the fluid dynamics of the squad, Farioli noted the unwanted challenge of injuries and illness plaguing the team's preparations. Previous to this match, defender Josip Sutalo was absent due to shoulder problems, adding to the coaching staff's challenges.
Ajax finds itself currently sitting just above their close competitors PSV Eindhoven on the Eredivisie table, with only two points separating the two teams. The stakes for this match against Go Ahead Eagles are high; victory could potentially widen their lead to five points. Farioli has emphasized this importance, indicating the need for his players to step up even without some of their regulars, including Pasveer.
Reflecting on the challenges of missing key players, Farioli commented, "De dingen stapelen zich op: blessures, slechte velden. Nu hebben we een paar puzzelstukjes niet tot onze beschikking, maar dit team laat zien dat het er altijd staat als het moeilijk wordt." He expressed faith not only in Matheus but also the capability of the squad to rise to the occasion against their rivals.
The match today isn't just another game but carries historical weight as the two teams are intertwined with narratives of past encounters. Both Ajax and Go Ahead Eagles have seen talented players transition between the clubs, fostering healthier rivalries. With the spotlight on Matheus to prove himself as he steps on the pitch for the first time as Ajax's first-choice keeper, he faces the task of not just making saves but also helping solidify Ajax's position at the top of the league.
With the match expected to draw significant attention, including notable fans and former supporters, all eyes will be on how Matheus performs and whether Ajax can maintain its momentum heading toward the business end of the season.