The coach enjoyed a smooth journey home on Thursday night. “The roads were quiet”, he laughs. “We analysed the match and studied our next opponent. We have to play against Heracles again very soon. They are in good form and have been unbeaten for a while. It will be a tough match, and we need to prepare well.”

Performance
Farioli is pleased with his squad. “What we have done well so far is that, once a match is over, we truly leave it behind. Of course, we can briefly celebrate in the dressing room, because we should appreciate our achievements. That is special. It’s impressive how they make the extraordinary seem ordinary.”

“If you look at the circumstances and the number of players we are missing, I am very satisfied”, the coach continues about the 2-0 win in Brussels. “The players performed brilliantly, and I think this was one of my favourite matches so far. The football was really good. But also, if you look at how the players supported the team, there were many positives. However, now it’s time to focus on the league again, because the match against Union Saint-Gilloise is only the first part of a battle that lasts longer than ninety minutes.”

Mokio
Jorthy Mokio scored in Brussels. “I’m very pleased with him. He is doing well and remains very humble. Now it is up to everyone to help him keep both feet on the ground. He is young and has a lot of talent. But to perform at this level, you need consistency. And that is only possible if you keep working hard, have the right mentality, and are surrounded by a strong culture.”

Farioli’s squad has come through the match in Belgium mostly unscathed. “Except for Daniele Rugani. He left the pitch yesterday with some knee discomfort. We will assess that today. Additionally, Jorrel Hato has a bruise that we need to monitor. We must recover well and get ready for the next match.”

Heracles at home
Heracles will be the opponent on Sunday at 16:45 in the Johan Cruijff ArenA. “I expect a team that will come here to fight for points. They are a physical side, especially when you look at how they attack and play. They are strong in set-piece situations, and every moment can be potentially dangerous. From our perspective, we need to dominate the game, control the match, and secure the crucial points.”

In Almelo, Ajax won 4-3. How has his team grown since then? “It is difficult to see a clear pattern, partly because of the changes in the squad. We are constantly building, but the most important thing about this group is its values and standards.”