Ajax remain winless in the Champions League after a 5-1 defeat to Chelsea, with club legend Wesley Sneijder criticizing players and questioning the team’s direction amid domestic struggles in the Eredivisie.
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With three matchdays of the Champions League league phase completed, the situation is looking increasingly grim for Ajax.
The Dutch giants, once a dominant force in European football, have yet to earn a single point in the competition, sharing that unwanted record only with Benfica. While the Portuguese side suffered a 3-0 defeat away to Newcastle United, Ajax endured an even heavier blow in London, being dismantled 5-1 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge a result that has once again exposed the deep crisis engulfing the club.
The defeat was not only painful on the scoreboard but also in the manner it unfolded. Ajax were reduced to ten men early in the game when Kenneth Taylor, one of their few creative sparks, was shown a red card just 15 minutes in. From that moment, the team struggled to find any rhythm or defensive organization. Chelsea took full advantage, controlling possession, stretching Ajax’s fragile backline, and converting their dominance into a convincing win that leaves the Dutch side rooted to the bottom of their group.
In the aftermath, club legend Wesley Sneijder delivered a scathing assessment of the team’s performance, calling out both individual players and the overall lack of quality on display. “There are players on the pitch who simply are not worthy of Ajax,” Sneijder said in an interview with Ziggo Sports. “Not all of them, but there are too many with limited qualities. Taylor is the most creative player, but we did not see him because he was sent off in the 15th minute. That is unacceptable. Defensively, I believe Sutalo is not worthy of Ajax and neither is Lucas Rosa. Baas played very poorly. As a left back, it is no longer possible.”
Sneijder’s criticism reflects the growing frustration among former players and fans who feel that Ajax’s identity once built on technical brilliance, academy development, and fearless attacking football has been eroded. The club, famous for producing generations of top talents like Cruyff, Van Basten, Bergkamp, and De Jong, now seems stuck in a downward spiral marked by poor recruitment, managerial instability, and underwhelming performances both domestically and in Europe.
This decline has been visible for more than a season. After years of dominance in the Eredivisie and notable Champions League runs including the famous 2018-19 campaign where Ajax reached the semifinals the team has struggled to rebuild following the departures of key players and coaches. The current squad appears to lack cohesion and leadership, while recent signings have failed to deliver the expected impact.
Domestically, the picture is not much brighter. Ajax currently sit in fourth place in the Eredivisie after nine rounds, already nine points behind leaders Feyenoord (25 to 16). For a club accustomed to fighting for the title every year, being that far off the pace at this stage of the season is alarming. The defense, once anchored by disciplined and technically gifted players, now looks vulnerable; the midfield lacks balance; and up front, the team struggles to convert chances consistently.
The pressure is mounting on both the players and the coaching staff. Supporters are losing patience, and questions are being asked about the club’s long-term vision and transfer policy. Sneijder’s harsh words may resonate with many fans who feel that the current Ajax no longer represents the values and style that made it a model for football clubs worldwide.
As the Champions League campaign continues, Ajax will need a dramatic turnaround to salvage pride and avoid one of their worst European records in recent memory. With tough fixtures still ahead, the Amsterdam club faces not just a battle for qualification but a fight to restore credibility both at home and on the continental stage.
Updated: 03:22, 23 Oct 2025
