Ajax coach Frank de Boer was realistic after the 0-3 home defeat against Red Bull Salzburg in the last 32 of the Europa League here.
After two goals by Jonathan Soriano and one from Sadio Mane Thursday, Salzburg took a 3-0 lead at half-time and the Austrian side did not give away the advantage in the second half, reports Xinhua.
"We did not underestimate them. We could not play our own game because they constantly put us under pressure. Maybe I figured out the wrong tactics, maybe we should have conquered them with more long balls," de Boer said.
"I think there are only a few teams that can play like Salzburg did. They played as a unit. There are only two options. Play the same or play your own game but in that case you have to be in top form and we were not. The defeat was fully deserved. It will be hard to reach the next round. I don't expect them to play differently next week at home," de Boer added.