Oscar Gloukh sets a high bar: "It would be great to win the Conference League"

At Ajax, they are not hiding their ambitions ahead of the Conference League. After the league phase draw, Oscar Gloukh clarified that for the players, the goal is not just to pass the first stage, but to try to reach the decisive stages and even win the competition.

The Amsterdam team will host Atalanta, Getafe, and Thun at the Johan Cruyff Arena, and will travel for away matches against Midtjylland, Sint-Truiden, and Hajduk Split. The full schedule of matches will be published later, but already now Gloukh has identified the opponents from Italy and Spain as the most prominent games.

"I don't think it's an easy draw," the Israeli told ESPN. "We will approach every game as we always do and do our best. I think Atalanta and Getafe are of course the central matches, but every game is important."

When asked if they are really talking about winning the competition inside the locker room, Gloukh did not hesitate:

"Yes, I think we are really talking about it like that. It would be great to win the tournament and reach the late stages. We are looking forward to this tournament and will do our best."

Gloukh also addressed the home advantage against Atalanta and Getafe: "Both are strong teams, but luckily both games are at home. I think the fans will create a great atmosphere. I am really looking forward to these games."

Coach Michel Sanchez also spoke about the draw and claimed that the combination of opponents from different countries and styles will make the league phase challenging. Regarding the meeting against the Spanish side Getafe, he said: "It always adds an extra dimension, but it doesn't change our approach. If you have ambitions to go far, you have to be able to beat anyone. That is what we are aiming for."