De Boer seeks change in fortune

Ajax head coach Frank de Boer wants his side to convert positive performances into victories, starting against Celtic on Wednesday.

The Dutch champions have won just one of their last five games in all competitions and sit sixth in the Eredivisie after a 1-0 defeat to Vitesse on Saturday.

Ajax were also beaten at Celtic Park last time out in Europe, although de Boer believes his team’s performances of late are worthy of better results.

“I think we showed last time that we aren’t a worse side than Celtic,” said the former Netherlands international on Tuesday.

“This time we have our fans supporting us and we do have a good chance of winning but maybe it will be even closer than at Celtic.

“We aren’t taking enough points at the moment – Ajax and the fans are used to taking three points, so of course people are disappointed.

“Many good things are happening at Ajax, but ultimately it is all about results, and they can be improved. I think we’re heading in the right direction but we need to get more points.”

Niklas Moisander is back in the Ajax squad after a knee injury kept him out of action during October, although Lerin Duarte (ankle) misses out.

De Boer did not reveal who he was planning to start up front against Celtic, with Siem de Jong, Kolbeinn Sigthorsson and Danny Hoesen all hoping to gain selection.

Discussing de Jong, the 43-year-old said: “It’s always an option to convert him.”

“We know what we have with him, as a midfielder and as a striker. Therefore, I will always take that into consideration as a coach.

“Siem is an option for that position, as well as Kolbeinn Sigthorsson and Danny Hoesen that is.”