Ajax duo slam Adriaanse
By Jeffrey Glorie
Last Updated: 06/06/26 10:07am
Adriaanse was replaced at the helm of Ajax at the end of last year, with reports of discontent in the camp leading to a change of style.
A disappointing string of results and criticism from all areas appeared to seal the fate of the 54-year-old.
Ronald Koeman was brought in from Vitesse Arnhem to lead the Amsterdam outfit, and the change appears to have pleased two previously discontented individuals.
Greek ace Machlas said: "Criticism can be endured. With Adriaanse, though, the criticism gave out a paralysing feeling.
"He even destroyed me psychologically. Every time, he said Nikos couldn't do this and that. How can you then find the confidence to score?
"Under Co Adriaanse, it was an unpleasant time for me."
Swedish ace Ibrahimovic backed the sentiments of his team-mate, even though Adriaanse brought him to Holland from Malmo in the summer.
"I was almost afraid of touching a ball," Ibrahimovic told Algemeen Dagblad.
Ibrahimovic feels Ajax`s new boss is more constructive in his criticism.
"Koeman has the same criticisms as Adriaanse: I have to move more," he said. "And they're right.
"The difference is that Adriaanse brought it in a different way. With Koeman I feel comfortable despite the criticism."
