Ten Hag: Juventus have a different style of football to Real Madrid

Ajax coach Erik ten Hag has insisted that whilst his side were able to thrive against Real Madrid's style of play in the last round, playing against Juventus is a different proposition.

The Dutchman expects Massimiliano Allegri to make adjustments, though Ten Hag is determined for Ajax to put in an extraordinary display and to show their clinical nature in front of goal, which was on show at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Juventus are the favourites, especially after the 1-1 draw in Amsterdam," Ten Hag noted in his press conference.

"We have to score here [in Turin]. We need to surpass our limits again, we know all that. We also showed that we can do it if we play well.

"Juventus are different to Real Madrid, we already discussed that before the first leg, as they have a different style of football.

"Last week, we controlled the game, but were unable to score more than one goal.

"I expect Massimiliano Allegri to make some changes and defend deeper, but we must do better and surpass our limits.

"Staying in Europe after the group stage and then knocking out Real Madrid was wonderful, but we want another unforgettable match tomorrow. We've got more confidence, a better mentality and the team always comes first.

"A team requires no extra motivation in a game like this. It'll be tense, and we need to be very concentrated."

Cristiano Ronaldo found the back of the net in Amsterdam, though Ten Hag is adamant that Ajax will not place a man-marker on the Champions League record goalscorer.

"We won't put a man-marker on Cristiano Ronaldo, that's something we never do," noted the Dutchman.

Unfortunately for the Dutch side, they look set to be without Barcelona-bound Frenkie de Jong after he hobbled off with an injury against Excelsior, while Nicolas Tagliafico is suspended.

"We have a few options [at left-back]," stated Ten Hag.

"[Noussair] Mazraoui on the left is an alternative, while [Daley] Blind and [Daley] Sinkgraven can also play there. We'll see.

"We don't know about De Jong as it happened on Saturday; we'll take it one day at a time and one hour at a time. We certainly won't push him in training.

"The player has to decide. We cannot look inside his own body. If there is too big a risk, then we won't push it. The player must decide. Frenkie is always a very positive guy. We're positive about him playing, but we'll have to wait and see.

"Tagliafico wanted to come along with the team, even though he's suspended, and it was a good idea. It tells you about the spirit of this team. He can motivate the others and is an important player both on and off the field."