Ajax coach Francesco Farioli has stated that Nigerian forward Chuba Akpom has seen his game time reduce in recent weeks due to the number of quality strikers at the club, Soccernet.ng reports.
Akpom joined Ajax from Middlesbrough last year, but it has been a topsy-turvy ride for him so far. Upon his arrival, the club handed him the iconic number ten jersey, but he struggled to get game time. This was as the club was also battling to find form after different managerial changes.
It looked like this season would be different, as he got a lot of minutes under his belt prior to the start of the Eredivisie campaign. However, his chances of leading the attack dwindled after Ajax signed Dutch striker Wout Weghorst.
“We have three great strikers (Akpom, Weghorst, Brian Brobbey) and we have to use their qualities as often as possible,” Farioli said.
“You journalists always try to drive a wedge between us. After the transfer window closed, I made it clear to them how I see their role. My vision has not changed. I told them that I will do my best to give them as much playing time as possible.”
Akpom scored for Ajax to help them defeat Qarabag in the Europa League on Thursday. If he continues to score goals whenever he is on the pitch, Farioli would have to make him a permanent starter.