Gullit questions Ajax coach over Arokodare bench role

Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit has questioned Ajax manager Míchel Sánchez’s handling of Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare, expressing confusion over the forward’s inconsistent selection despite his goalscoring contributions, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Arokodare has made an impressive start since joining Ajax on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in July, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in 10 appearances across all competitions, according to the figures in the original report.

However, the Nigeria international has struggled to secure a regular starting role, featuring in only four Eredivisie matches from the start and completing the full 90 minutes just once, against Telstar.

Speaking on Rondo, a football discussion programme on Ziggo Sport, Gullit questioned Sánchez’s decision to repeatedly leave the Nigerian striker out of the starting line-up despite his ability to find the net.

“That big striker (Tolu Arokodare, ed.) scores goals every time, then he’s on the bench again, and then not again. I don’t quite understand it,” Gullit said.

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The former Netherlands international also expressed concern about Sánchez’s demeanour on the touchline, suggesting that the Ajax manager’s apparent nervousness could affect the entire squad.

“I get nervous watching that coach. He is not sitting on the bench and is standing there nervously. He makes a nervous impression, and that is not what you want,” Gullit said, according to FC Update.

Ajax have endured an inconsistent start to the campaign, dropping points at home against Heerenveen, Excelsior and NEC, raising questions about the team’s performances under their new manager.

Gullit, however, expressed hope that the Amsterdam club would remain competitive in the title race, noting that their involvement at the top end of the table would also benefit Dutch football.

For Arokodare, maintaining his goalscoring form could strengthen his case for a more prominent role as Ajax seek greater consistency in the Eredivisie.