Oscar Gloukh's new path: "Perhaps he will be the big winner"
The Israeli received compliments after Ajax's victory in the Conference League, and in the Netherlands, they noted: "He is one of the players who could benefit from the coaching change."
Oscar Gloukh started his journey at Ajax well, but faded along with the team as the 2025/26 season progressed. On Thursday, he and the Amsterdam club set out on a new path with the first game of the 2026/27 season, an easy 4:1 away victory over Vojvodina in the Conference League qualifiers. Gloukh started in the lineup and scored the third goal; perhaps under the new coach Michel, things will work out more smoothly for him.
In the popular publication Voetbal International, Gloukh was given a rating of 7, second only to Mika Godts, who assisted his goal. Journalist Pieter Zwart noted:
"Oscar Gloukh proved that he is one of the players who can benefit from the coaching change and the arrival of Michel."
NOS also wrote similarly:
"A new coach usually brings new opportunities, and it seems that Oscar Gloukh is one of the players who benefits from this more than anyone. Michel plays with a classic attacking midfielder ('number 10') — a role that is especially suitable for the Israeli."
This is the sixth consecutive year that Ajax is starting a season with a new coach. In fact, since the departure of Erik ten Hag, they have not managed to stabilize this matter in Amsterdam. "Six years at Ajax, six times starting over," said Steven Berghuis with a smile after the match. "This is a pleasant first step for Michel and for us. Let's hope we set out together on a path toward beautiful things."
Before the second leg, Ajax will host Burnley on Sunday for a preparation match. The Dutch league will kick off on the weekend of August 8th.
