Ajax Star Klaassen Surprised with Special Gift from Ziggo Sport Following Joyous Fatherhood!

In the midst of the significant news and reactions surrounding Ajax, you might have missed a trick or two throughout the week. Fret not, as Ajax Showtime is here to keep you informed with the latest tidbits and happenings. **Klaassen Celebrates Fatherhood with a Gift from Ziggo Sport** Davy Klaassen has entered fatherhood for the first time as of Sunday, receiving a sweet token from Ziggo Sport to commemorate the occasion. The midfielder's daughter has been given the name Cruz, and it seems the new parent is managing the sleepless nights quite well. “If it stays like this, I’ll be very happy,” he affirmed. **'It’s Tragic He’s Never Been This Good Again Since His Time at Ajax'** Lodewijk Asscher, once the deputy mayor of Amsterdam and a former vice-premier of the Netherlands, spotlighted Hakim Ziyech in his all-time best Ajax XI featured in *Het Parool*. The inclusion isn't surprising; after all, Asscher had initiated a petition in 2019 to keep the talented playmaker at Ajax, which amassed over 27,000 signatures. “That was a bit of a joke, but it’s tragic that he’s never hit those heights again since his Ajax days. Ziyech was an incredibly creative player, spreading magical passes and showcasing beautiful street football in the ArenA,” he reminisced. While many would opt for Edwin van der Sar as the goalkeeper, Asscher chose Stanley Menzo instead. “He was always honest about his nerves. Even during matches where he faced little action, he would still feel the pressure. Additionally, Menzo had to confront racism early in his career and is, for me, the ultimate sweeper-keeper, truly embodying the spirit of Cruyff,” he explained. Naturally, Johan Cruyff has a place in Asscher's dream team. "Cruyff could prance about in this line-up, delivering pinpoint passes, executing the legendary Cruyff turn, and weaving through the defence while also embodying the role of a coach on the pitch. Just as he was as a player, he remained as a coach. That’s why he is also my manager for this squad. It would be nothing short of spectacular to see Cruyff coach Cruyff." Dennis Bergkamp also received praise from Asscher. “During his Ajax days, he requested to be played in a high-pressure style, which quickened the pace of the game. This technical challenge only pushed him to improve. Aside from his delicate finishes and the way he seemed to converse with the ball, he was a magnificent player,” Asscher remarked. **Asscher's All-Time Best Ajax XI:** Menzo; Reiziger, Rijkaard, De Boer, Chivu; Davids, Litmanen, Cruijff; Ziyech, Bergkamp, Olsen. **F-Side Announces Entrada Ahead of Jubilee Match Against AZ** Prior to the match between Ajax and AZ this coming Sunday, an Entrada will take place, according to announcements from the F-Side via X. This clash against the team from Alkmaar is particularly special as it marks Ajax's 125th anniversary, which will officially be celebrated two days later on March 18. The Entrada is set for 14:30 at the main entrance of the Johan Cruyff ArenA, with kick-off scheduled for 16:45. Ajax currently leads the league table, boasting an eight-point lead over second-placed PSV, who they will face on March 30. AZ sits in sixth place with 43 points, and they need a win in the capital to keep their hopes alive in the race for third place, currently held by FC Utrecht. **De Jong Shares a Hilarious Anecdote About Suárez's Revenge** Siem de Jong unearthed a brilliant story in the *Football is Life* podcast, recalling how Luis Suárez once playfully took revenge on former teammate Robbert Schilder after being falsely accused of a prank. “During a training camp, I shared a room with Robbert. We had that classic game where you tap someone on the back of the head without them knowing who did it. Schilder did that to someone, and when asked who it was, he pointed to Suárez, who caught on. 'Just you wait,' Suárez said,” De Jong recounted. “Nothing happened at first, but later, we entered our room, and the entire mirror was covered in shaving foam. When Schilder approached his bed, he found his belongings covered in foam as well. I count myself lucky it wasn’t my bed!” **Ajax Organizes 'Ajax Jubilee Podcast'** On Ajax’s official website, it's announced that the club will launch an 'Ajax Jubilee Podcast' to celebrate its 125th anniversary. Hosts Sam van Raalte and Arco Gnocchi will delve into the club’s archives, recounting various significant moments in its history across multiple episodes. The memorable championship win for Ajax 1 in 2011 will certainly be among the highlights, along with Jong Ajax's title win in 2017/2018. **Timber Earns Praise from Teammate: 'He’s So, So Good'** William Saliba, a teammate of Jurriën Timber, had nothing but accolades for the former Ajax player in a segment on Voetbal International. The French centre-back stated, “He came back from a serious injury and played as if he'd never faced a cruciate ligament injury. He’s so, so good. We’re lucky to have such an exceptional defender in our squad.” **Wijndal Set to Return Post-International Break** Owen Wijndal is making strides in his recovery from a knee injury, as reported by Ajax watcher Lentin Goodijk on X. The journalist notes that the left-back is currently following an individual training program at De Toekomst. “He is expected to rejoin group training after the international break,” Goodijk stated. Wijndal suffered his injury during the home match against RKC Waalwijk and has been sidelined for around two months. Additionally, there is good news with Brian Brobbey also training, potentially putting him in the frame for the upcoming clash with Eintracht Frankfurt. Goodijk also mentioned that young talents Julian Rijkhoff, Don-Angelo Konadu, Sean Steur, and Lucas Jetten participated in training. **Farioli Prepares for Frankfurt Match on Wednesday Evening** Francesco Farioli is set to address the press on Wednesday evening ahead of the European encounter, as announced by Ajax on their official platform. The head coach will entertain questions from journalists starting at 18:00. The match against Eintracht Frankfurt is scheduled for Thursday evening. Unlike the previous week’s kick-off at 21:00 in the Johan Cruyff ArenA, this return leg for the Europa League round of 16 is set for 18:45. **Bosnian Referee to Officiate Frankfurt vs Ajax Match** The referee for the Eintracht Frankfurt vs Ajax match has been assigned, with Bosnian Irfan Peljto in charge, as indicated on the UEFA website. He will be supported by assistant referees Senad Ibrićimbegović and Davor Beljo. Miloš Gigovic will serve as the fourth official, while Marco Di Bello will handle VAR duties. Ajax will be looking to overturn a 1-2 deficit from the first leg in Germany. **'Couldn’t Imagine He Predicted a Promising Future for Me Without Being Right'** Yuki Kempees from the DJ group Kriss Kross Amsterdam shared tales of his personal best Ajax XI in a recent interview, highlighting some long-standing connections with the club’s rich heritage. - Resource: "https://www.ajaxshowtime.com/bijzaken-en-geruchten/rondom-ajax-tragisch-dat-hij-nooit-meer-zo-goed-is-geweest-als-in-zijn-ajax-tijd