Ajax, along with Benfica, are the only team without a single point in this year's UEFA Champions League. The Amsterdam giants lost their three opening games to Inter (2-0), Olympique Marseille (4-0), and Chelsea (5-1), putting pressure on manager John Heitinga.
The former Liverpool assistant said it's time for Ajax to win their first points in Europe. "Galatasaray have a lot of quality and experience in their squad," Heitinga noted during the press conference.
"Just like last year, they are dominating the Turkish league. We need to be on our guard. In terms of speed, explosiveness and strength in one-on-one situations, they are a good team. We know that. If we want to pick up points, especially at home, these are the games to do it."
'Stay in the game'
After keeping Inter at bay for 42 minutes in their Champions League opener, Ajax have allowed seven goals in the first half over their last two games in Europe. Chelsea opened the scoring in the 18th minute through Marc Guiu, while Marseille took just six minutes at the Stade Velodrome.
"We want to show ourselves on the highest stage, also towards the fans. The lads fought hard last season to play in the Champions League, and they deserve to play on this stage," Heitinga continued.
"We want to stay in the game for a long time and create opportunities from our own play. Galatasaray gives away space, but they are also deadly on the counterattack. We want to take the first step by getting points."
Earplugs
Ajax have disappointed tactically, showing little creativity in the build-up and creating only a few clear-cut chances. Heitinga acknowledges Ajax's shortcomings and offers a remedy, though he admits Ajax won't play to impress all night long.
"You have to recognise the moments when you need to be a link player and how to play under pressure. Then you look at the players' composition and the group. There will undoubtedly be moments when we cannot play under pressure, and we opt for the long ball instead."
Fans have called for Heitinga to be sacked nearly all season long, but in a sold-out Johan Cruyff ArenA, Heitinga expects the Ajax faithful to outdo a large and infamously loud Galatasaray contingent coming from Turkey and lands nearby.
"All players will be wearing earplugs tomorrow," Heitinga laughs.
"Looking back on my time as a player, it was always crazy in the stands in Turkey. Many Turkish people living in the Netherlands support Galatasaray. We are playing at home tomorrow. The stadium will be buzzing with atmosphere. I expect our fans to be the dominant force."