Ajax Coach Defends Midfielder Oscar Gloukh Amid Criticism
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Ajax coach Michel defended Israeli midfielder Oscar Gloukh after criticism of his performance in a 2-0 Conference League win over Atalanta. Despite media and fan critiques regarding his decision-making and passing, Michel praised Gloukh's contribution and game continuity. Gloukh started the match but was substituted before Ajax scored their late goals. The coach continues to give the young Israeli significant playing time.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ajax coach Michel defended Oscar Gloukh amid criticism following a 2-0 win.
- Gloukh started the Conference League match against Atalanta but was substituted at 0-0.
- Dutch media and fans criticized Gloukh's decision-making and passing in the final third.
- Coach Michel praised Gloukh's game continuity and work rate.
- Substitute Abdallah Mazan scored Ajax's second goal after replacing Gloukh.
Ajax coach Michel has defended Israeli midfielder Oscar Gloukh following criticism of his performance in the team's 2-0 victory over Atalanta in the Conference League on Thursday. Gloukh started the match and had several scoring opportunities but was substituted in the 62nd minute with the score still tied 0-0. Despite critiques, Michel expressed satisfaction with Gloukh's contribution, stating, "I think Oscar played a good game. He is a player who gives us continuity in the game and always wants to receive the ball. I am satisfied with his work."
Michel had previously explained Gloukh's role in the team's attacking strategy, noting his tendency to attack spaces and move from the wing to the center. However, Dutch media and fans have voiced concerns about Gloukh's decision-making and effectiveness in the final third. Football site Voetbalprimeur rated him 5.5, commenting that he is often active and threatening but needs to improve his vision and passing in attack, suggesting competition from Abdallah Mazan, who replaced him and scored the second goal.
Social media reactions also highlighted criticism of Gloukh's ball-holding and tendency to finish attacks himself rather than passing to teammates. Some fans called for him to pass more often and criticized his decision-making, while others defended him as the team's most creative player. Despite the mixed reviews, Gloukh continues to receive significant playing time from coach Michel.
The goals that secured Ajax's win came late in the game, with Tolo Arokodare scoring in the 87th minute and Mazan sealing the result in added time. Gloukh will be looking to convert the trust shown by his coach into goals and assists in future matches.
