After a disappointing 2025/26 season, Ajax overhauled their squad during the summer transfer window, signing 12 new players and appointing Michel Sanchez as their new head coach.

The Amsterdammers have, however, endured a turbulent start to the 2026/27 season. They currently sit 5th in the Eredivisie with 15 points in eight games and suffered a defeat in their first UEFA Conference League game, which was against Hajduk Split in Croatia on Thursday night.

Ajax produced an uninspiring performance in the first half against Hajduk Split, and while there was an improvement in the second half, the performance was, on the whole, below par.

One thing Ajax have done well this season is create a high volume of goal-scoring opportunities, but against Hajduk Split, they did not create as many as they normally do. In the first half in particular, Ajax offered very little in possession.

Youri Baas started alongside Aaron Bouwman in central defence against Hajduk Split on Thursday night. In a post-match interview with Ziggo Sport, Baas opened up about Ajax's performance and felt they couldn't match Hajduk Split's intensity.

"We started the first half really weakly," Baas explained. 

"In terms of intensity, challenges, and quality on the ball. In the second half, we are going to push a bit more, but in the first half, we really let a lot slip.

"We want more. I felt like we were being overrun in terms of ground and duels. A combination of choosing your position and having the will to win a duel.

"I had that feeling in the first half. They were really up for it; they went all out. We couldn't match that."

While Ajax are struggling right now, Baas believes they have the squad to perform better.

"We are not yet where we want to be. We simply know that we can do a lot better, so in that regard, I have confidence."

It is still early on in the season, but pressure on Michel Sanchez is growing. While frustration from fans is understandable, the Spaniard deserves more time.

The performances against NEC Nijmegen and Hajduk Split provide reason for concern. Ajax were, in both games, far from good enough.

However, before the international break, Ajax were playing very well. They were dominant in games against Fortuna Sittard and Willem II. Even against Excelsior, there were a lot of positives to take away from that game, despite the fact that they had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

Ajax do need to improve significantly in the high press. They give opponents too much time on the ball and are not intense enough. The rest defence is also an area of concern, and that was highlighted by Hajduk Split's first goal. On the ball, Ajax have generally created a lot of chances in most games this season, but they lack balance in wide areas, and that is something that will need to be addressed in the winter transfer window.

Ajax now prepare to face FC Groningen on Sunday in an away game. The Groningers are one point behind Ajax and have secured commanding victories in both of their last two games.