Ajax boss Frank de Boer says playing against the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez holds no fear for his players.
The Dutch giants take on Barcelona in a Group F Champions League game at the Amsterdam Arena on Wednesday night, having lost to the Catalans 3-1 in the
reverse fixture two weeks ago, and De Boer is eager to keep alive his team’s hopes of qualifying for the next stage.
“What we need to do is to play football and keep the ball. We must also remain focused, which we failed to do at the Camp Nou,” he told assembled media.
“You have to respect your opponent but shouldn’t fear them, and when we play to the best of our ability we have a chance. My players won’t be scared about facing their front three.
“I want my team to play with confidence so we can show our quality, but we have to step up a notch if we want to beat Barca.”
Nonetheless, De Boer is aware of the threat posed by Messi and Suarez in particular.
“Messi always looks to make his own space and is very difficult to mark. You must concentrate at all times because he has quick touches and in two seconds can be in front of the opposition goal.
“Therefore, we have to mark him tightly. It will be difficult but as a team we can stop him.
“Suarez could play his first European game for Barca at this stadium, where he became the player he is. He’s a fighter, a goalscorer, and is good to watch for the spectators.”
Former Barcelona defender De Boer was asked if he thought Barca’s style of football was beginning to die out and what the differences were between his and Luis Enrique’s side.
“No. Against Celta Vigo they didn’t play at their best and perhaps lacked a little luck. Against Madrid they started well but dropped off.
“I don’t think there are any differences except in the size of our squad. We’ve got 22 players while others have 28.
“Our opponents will also be playing with the confidence of experience, which we do not have,” he concluded.
