Ajax manager: De Jong will have extra motivation against Real Madrid

After Frenkie de Jong recently signed for Barcelona from Ajax, the Dutch club's coach Erik ten Hag has claimed that his move to the Blaugrana may give him an extra reason to impress against Real Madrid.

Ajax host Los Blancos on Wednesday and the 21-year-old is expected to steal the limelight in the Champions League last 16 tie.

"Frenkie [De Jong] is fine and he is happy to play tomorrow's game, like all of us, but I imagine he will have an extra motivation [because of his move to Barcelona]," Ten Hag told the press prior the game.

"Frenkie only wants one thing, which is to end the season well and I am sure that he is 100 percent motivated to give his best."

The Dutchman went on to discuss the upcoming encounter at Johan Cruyff Arena, as well as Ajax's current situation.

"We are not in a good moment, but this is football and sometimes we have to lose, but tomorrow is the next game and we have to stand up in a difficult period," he added.

"We do not accept losing matches because we are Ajax, we have to look for solutions and tomorrow's game is very important for us and we have to focus on it.

"Real Madrid have a great plan and have been improving in recent weeks and we have to find solutions to stop them, but also play our own game, as that's important.

"It's going to be a tremendous challenge, because you're playing against Real Madrid and they're on a good run and we know we have to get the best out of ourselves.

"They are going through a much better phase than when the draw took place and they have had fantastic matches against Barcelona and Atletico Madrid."

Finally, he praised Madrid's young prodigy, Vinicius Jr who has exploded onto the scene in recent weeks.

"I think that the Madrid youth team is known for producing great stars and Vinicius is one more," he noted.

"He is very young and has everything to be a star, as he has shown in recent weeks and he has done it in such an important club, such as Real Madrid."