Ajax boss has big plans in Europe

Ajax boss Frank de Boer has urged his players to go for glory in this year’s Champions League, hailing it as the pinnacle of the game.

The 41-year-old helped lead the Dutch champions to their second and last Champions League trophy in 1995, under then manager Louis van Gaal.

Although his side is not tipped to make much of a splash in this year’s tournament, de Boer said his men should be aiming high when they kick off their European adventure on Wednesday against Lyon at Amsterdam ArenA.

“Playing in the UEFA Champions League is the most beautiful thing there is for a player; that is what you come to Ajax for,” de Boer said.

“That is what you try to get across to the players. If you want recognition at international level, and most players do, then this is the best stage to act on.”

The Dutchman is expecting a stern challenge from Lyon, who Ajax are drawn with in Group D along with group favourites Real Madrid and Croatians Dinamo Zagreb.

“The French league is a bit underrated in the Netherlands, but I rate it very highly. They have three teams in the Champions League,” he said.

“Lyon are among the strongest teams in France, so I am curious to see how big the difference between Lyon and Ajax is.”