Ajax manager Míchel Sánchez has shed light on his tactical decision to leave Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare out of the starting lineup for Sunday’s Eredivisie showdown against FC Groningen. Addressing supporters and reporters after the team selection raised eyebrows, the tactician pointed directly to the forward’s demanding schedule and the physical toll of competing on multiple fronts.
Supporters had widely anticipated the 25-year-old Nigerian forward to lead the line following his active involvement in the club’s continental campaign. However, when the official teamsheet was released ahead of the weekend clash, Arokodare found himself named among the substitutes, with the coaching staff opting for a fresh approach in the attacking department.
Explaining the reasoning behind the omission, the head coach acknowledged that while Arokodare offers significant quality in the final third, managing his energy levels has become paramount. The manager emphasized that the physically imposing striker often expends an enormous amount of energy early in games, making it difficult for him to sustain peak performance across a full ninety minutes, particularly when fixtures come thick and fast.
The decision was heavily influenced by Ajax’s grueling midweek fixture against Croatian side Hajduk Split. Arokodare had started that high-intensity European tie, battling tirelessly against a resolute defense and putting in an exhaustive shift. With only a short window between that continental trip and Sunday’s league encounter, the coaching staff concluded that another immediate start could jeopardize his effectiveness and elevate his risk of fatigue-related injuries.
Arokodare’s style of play naturally places heavy demands on his stamina. Standing as an athletic target man, the Nigerian relies heavily on contesting aerial duels, pressing opposition center-backs, and holding up possession under constant physical pressure. When applied at the relentless pace demanded by Dutch football, that energetic output inevitably drains reserves quickly. The coaching team has consequently chosen to take a measured approach to his game time rather than running him into the ground.
Modern European football requires astute squad rotation, and the manager stressed that benching Arokodare was an act of player preservation rather than a reflection of diminishing confidence. With Ajax navigating concurrent domestic and European obligations, maintaining sharpness across the entire squad remains vital. Having an impactful, physical presence ready to make a decisive contribution off the bench provides a potent weapon when opposition defenses tire in the second half.
As the season progresses, Arokodare will undoubtedly remain a central component of the team’s ambitions. For both the player and the technical crew, the priority now shifts toward building the conditioning necessary to endure the relentless rhythm of two matches per week. If he can bridge that physical gap and enhance his match endurance, the Nigerian international will likely cement his place as an indispensable fixture in the starting eleven.