AC Milan vs Ajax preview - Milan challenge for De Boer

Posted Wednesday, December 08, 2010 by PA

Frank de Boer will face an immediate challenge in his first game in charge of Ajax when the Dutch travel to the San Siro to face AC Milan.

The former Holland defender was appointed on Tuesday as caretaker manager until the winter break after Ajax confirmed coach Martin Jol had left the club by mutual consent.

Jol, who only took charge of Ajax in May last year, claimed the expectations at the Amsterdam ArenA were too high.

"I am saddened by Jol's departure," said Ajax general manager Rik van den Boog.

"Things aren't going as well as they have previously.

"And the question is, can the tide be turned?

"That's a hard question to answer. I think that Martin has been struggling with the situation. His job comes with enormous external pressure, and this pressure has been increasing.

"Frank is a great coach, and he's available immediately.

"He will travel to Milan with Ajax and we are hoping to make it through the European winter break."

De Boer has been in charge of the club's senior youth team since July 2008 and is also assistant coach to Bert van Marwijk with the Dutch national team.

Ajax travel to Italy needing to hold on to third place to at least claim the consolation of a Europa League berth.

Last month's 4-0 defeat against Real Madrid meant Ajax could not catch second-placed AC Milan in the standings, with the Spaniards and the Italians having secured safe passage to the next round.

Ajax lie third in Group G heading into the final group game, a point ahead of Auxerre, and need to only better or match the French side's result at group leaders Real Madrid.

AC Milan, meanwhile, secured qualification to the knockout round with a 2-0 win at Auxerre last time out.

Massimiliano Allegri's men are in buoyant mood after a solid display saw them beat Brescia 3-0 at the weekend.

The result lifted Milan three points clear of Lazio at the top of Serie A.

The Rossoneri will look to extend their eight-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

Former Ajax star Zlatan Ibrahimovic will lead AC Milan's attack alongside Robinho.