Akpom reveals what new Ajax manager did to spark his renewed form
English-born Nigerian striker, Chuba Akpom has revealed what new Ajax manager John Schip did to spark his renewed form.
Akpom joined Ajax in the summer following an explosive season with English Championship club, Middlesborough.
In his first two months, the former Arsenal man endured a goal drought amidst a winless run which led to the sack of Maurice Sterjn and appointment of John Schip
The managerial change has yielded positive result for Ajax and Akpom who has scored three goals in two substitute appearances.
In Schip’s first game vs Volendam, Akpom came off the bench to score in a 2-0 win for the former Eredivise champions.
On Sunday, against Heerenveen, the Super Eagles of Nigeria eligible striker came off the bench to score a brace and seal a 4-1 win for Ajax.
After the win over Heerenveen on Sunday November 5, Akpom revealed that Schip’s excellent man management style was the spark he needed to start scoring again.
“It was a terrible first two months here if I am being honest,” Akpom said per AFC Ajax.
“The new manager has made me feel more at home than I have ever felt since arriving. We are footballers, we are human beings first.
“He spoke to me as a human being, not as a footballer. Ever since the new manager arrived, I feel much lighter, back to myself.”
Ajax currently sit 11th in the Eredivisie, 22 points adrift of leaders PSV. Akpom would look to continue his super form and eventually break into starting XI under John Schip to justify his high rating upon arrival.