Formula One star and Manchester United fan Max Verstappen is hoping that former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson will suffer a heartbreaking end to the Eredivisie season this weekend.
As well as supporting the Old Trafford side, Verstappen is a PSV fan. So while he is in action in the Italian Grand Prix, he is hopeful that his Dutch soccer team can get over the line in the title race in the Netherlands.
Just a few weeks ago, it seemed inevitable that Henderson would win the Eredivisie title with Ajax. After moving to Amsterdam in January 2024 following a brief stint in the Saudi Pro League, his team was nine points clear at the top.
However, a downward spiral has since quickly ensued. After losing only two of its last 29 league matches, Ajax suffered a shocking 4-0 defeat at Utrecht.
That was followed by a 1-1 draw at home against Sparta Rotterdam. A dismal 3-0 home loss to NEC Nijmegen later and Ajax’s lead at the top has gone.
The decline culminated on Wednesday when Ajax conceded a goal in the 99th minute to draw 2-2 at Groningen.
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Meanwhile, its closest rival, PSV, was able to win 4-1 against Heracles to secure its sixth consecutive win — moving it a point ahead at the top with just one game left.
Henderson looked visibly frustrated at the final whistle, but he steered clear of the fracas that erupted between players and officials from both teams against Groningen.
Ajax is hoping it can wrap up the title at home against sixth-placed Twente this weekend, but will need PSV, will be visiting Sparta Rotterdam, currently sitting in 11th place, to slip up.
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Ajax’s dramatic slip-up has sent shockwaves beyond the Netherlands. It’s been making headlines across Europe, with one Spanish news outlet dramatically stating, “Ajax is definitely descending into hell”.
“Sunday after my race, I’d like to know very quickly,” Verstappen told the media. “That was of course also a very nice result for me [Ajax’s dropped points midweek].
“It’s been a madhouse this season. I think they’ll make it, especially considering the form they’ve been in the last few weeks.
“If they give it away now, that would be very bizarre. Although I think Ajax may have a more difficult match ahead of them against FC Twente.”
