De Boer after permanent Ajax job

Ajax caretaker boss Frank de Boer said he is ready to assume the mantle permanently ahead of his first game in charge of the Dutch giants.

De Boer stepped into the hot seat on Monday after Martin Jol’s shock resignation, and the 40-year-old said he always felt he would one day be in charge of the club where he made 328 appearances in a 10-year spell throughout the 1980s and 90s.

“I knew that one day I would become coach. They asked me if I was ready, and I said yes,” de Boer said.

“There are people around me who can help and this gives me confidence. I think I’m ready because I have been assistant coach (for Holland) for two and a half years.”

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with AC Milan at the San Siro – where the Dutch side will be looking for maximum points to ensure a Europa League place – de Boer said he wanted his side to play flowing football that would delight fans.

“Ajax is what matters. I want to bring the joy back; the players must be happy to play,” he said.

“When it comes to playing football, movement on the field and attacking, I am close to Johan Cruyff’s philosophy.”

“I like the 4-3-3 formation; I know you need the right players for that, but if you want to find them, then you will.”

“I don’t want to change too much to begin with, but I have my own ideas and I want to leave my mark on the team in the future.”