Israeli Forward Oscar Gloukh Scores Hat-Trick for Ajax After Coach's Harsh Criticism

Israeli footballer Oscar Gloukh delivered a remarkable performance for Ajax in their Conference League second qualifying round match against Serbian club Vojvodina on July 30, 2026. Despite receiving intense criticism and shouting from his coach, Mitchell, during the first half due to a careless ball loss, Gloukh responded emphatically by scoring a hat-trick between the 53rd and 71st minutes. This was only the second hat-trick of his career, the first having been scored in the Austrian league with Red Bull Salzburg during the 2024/2025 season.

The coach's frustration stemmed from Gloukh's mistake, which led to Mitchell yelling at him to maintain possession more carefully in the second half. Dutch journalist Sam van Ruijn explained that Gloukh attempted a skillful move that failed, provoking the coach's anger. Another analyst, Jan van Halst, noted that while losing the ball near the penalty area can happen when trying to create chances, immediate pressure on the opponent is essential, a principle Mitchell is still instilling in his players.

Ultimately, Gloukh's outstanding second-half performance silenced his coach's earlier anger and highlighted his growing impact at Ajax and in European football.