Burnley Boss Nicky Hayen Praises Ajax as Champions League Level After Friendly Defeat

Burnley manager Nicky Hayen said his side faced a team of Champions League calibre as Ajax beat the Clarets 2-1 in a pre-season friendly at the Johan Cruijff Arena on Sunday. Despite the defeat, Hayen expressed satisfaction with the performance and singled out the quality of the Amsterdam side.

Hayen, who left Genk for Burnley last summer, acknowledged the strength of the opponent. “I think we can be satisfied,” he told club channels. “We played against a strong opponent. Ajax is of Champions League level, even when they field players who usually don’t always get minutes.”

The match served as a useful test for Burnley, who were relegated from the Premier League last season and are preparing for the upcoming Championship campaign. For Ajax, the friendly was part of their pre-season build-up, with the club aiming to return to the top of Dutch football and secure European competition.

Jadon Banel scores against former club

The 21-year-old forward Jadon Banel, who came through Ajax’s academy, scored Burnley’s goal. Banel left Ajax in the summer of 2025 to join Burnley, who then loaned him to Derby County for the 2025-26 season. At Derby he made 14 Championship appearances.

“I am happy because I played for Ajax for a long time. It felt good to score,” Banel said. “This club still means a lot to me. I played here for almost my entire career. It gave a nice feeling to play again in the Johan Cruijff Arena. It was also nice that my family and friends were there. I was happy to get playing time.”

Banel had nine senior appearances for Ajax without scoring. His goal in this friendly was his first in an Ajax shirt, albeit for the opposition.

Key facts

What this means for the season ahead

For Burnley, friendlies like this provide a benchmark. Hayen’s assessment of Ajax as a Champions League side underlines the gap the Clarets face as they prepare for the Championship. The club will aim for promotion back to the Premier League, and competitive outings against top-tier European opposition can sharpen the squad.

Banel’s performance is a positive note for Burnley’s attacking options. After a loan spell at Derby, he will hope to earn regular minutes under Hayen. Scoring against a club where he spent most of his youth career could boost his confidence.

For Ajax, the match offered minutes for squad players and fringe youngsters. Maintaining a high level even with a rotated lineup is a good sign for head coach Francesco Farioli, who will need depth for domestic and European campaigns.

Context of the fixture

Ajax and Burnley arranged the friendly as part of their pre-season schedules. For Ajax, such games are standard preparation for the Eredivisie and potential European qualifiers. Burnley, under Hayen, are rebuilding after relegation and integrating new signings.

The result itself carries no competitive weight, but the comments from both Hayen and Banel offer insight into the mindset of the Burnley camp as the new season approaches.

Source: Voetbal International – https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/burnley-tevreden-ondanks-nederlaag-ajax-is-van-champions-league-niveau