When exploring the old canals of Amsterdam, a short walk from the tourist centre, you get a sense of history and tranquillity in equal measure.
Yet just a few miles away, the latter has been conspicuous by its absence at the Johan Cruyff Arena, home of one of Europe’s great old clubs, Ajax.
Following their worst domestic season in almost a quarter of a century in 23/24 - a campaign encompassing managerial and sporting director sackings, fan riots at matches, high player turnover and an aggregate 10-0 loss to the auld enemy Feyenoord - the team under new Italian coach Francesco Farioli unexpectedly found itself in a title race.
