Former Feyenoord coach hits out at Akpom following remarks after Ajax win against Heerenveen

Former Feyenoord manager Gertjan Verbeek has expressed disappointment with Chuba Akpom's comments following Ajax's 2-0 victory over Heerenveen on Sunday afternoon.

Akpom, who scored the second goal for Ajax in their win, downplayed the club's chances in the Eredivisie title race during his post-match interview.

Despite the victory keeping Ajax within one point of league leaders PSV Eindhoven, Akpom told ESPN, "It doesn't feel like a title race. I know you want to hear a headline, but there are still a lot of games to play. 

"We can't start thinking that we're in the running for the title, because that distracts from our goal. 

"If you look too far ahead, you get distracted. There are still so many games to go and we have no idea what's going to happen. We'll take it game by game."

The remarks sparked a reaction from both fans and pundits, with Verbeek particularly critical of Akpom's lack of ambition. 

During an analysis segment on ESPN, Verbeek called the comments "weird," emphasizing the importance of setting clear goals.

"The first thing you do is set goals. That gives direction to what you want to achieve. This is just a weird comment from him," Verbeek was quoted as saying by Voetbal Zone.

"I understand that you want to remain modest and humble, but in this case it is incorrect."

Akpom, who has struggled to find his form this season with three goals and one assist in sixteen league appearances, has faced criticism for his performances in the Eredivisie. 

His comments following the win did little to ease concerns regarding his and the team's mindset.

Adeyemi Adewale
 

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