Ajax can take inspiration from Shelbourne as they rebuild
Shelbourne FC prepares to face Ajax in a significant European match at the Johan Cruyff Arena. The article reflects on Ajax's historic footballing philosophy and how it contrasts with Shelbourne's journey to reach this level of competition.
Why it matters
It highlights the intersection of historic European football giants and smaller clubs, illustrating the competitive nature of continental tournaments.
When Shelbourne step onto the pitch at the Johan Cruyff Arena for the first time, John Russell and his players will warm up underneath banners representing different moments in Ajax's history.
There's banners dedicated to their 36 league titles, others to their European Cup successes and some to show their victories in the Intercontinental Cup. The unifying theme is how they were achieved, with the club’s guiding philosophy.
It’s based around the manipulation of space, pressing high, and passing the ball while giving youth a chance. Rinus Michels was the pioneer, Stefan Kovács took it to the next level and Louis van Gaal brought it into the modern age.
Johan Cruyff was its greatest disciple, with the midfielder using it to win Barcelona their first European Cup in 1992.
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