Ajax seek to end Dutch title drought

AMSTERDAM: New coach Martin Jol believes Ajax Amsterdam will face tough competition from champions AZ Alkmaar and an upgraded PSV Eindhoven as they seek to end a barren five-year run without a Dutch title.

"Alkmaar almost kept their team together, while PSV Eindhoven made a step forward with signing the experienced couple Andre Ooijer and Orlando Engelaar," he was quoted as saying in Dutch weekly Voetbal International.

"You can say it is almost unfeasible (for Ajax to win the title) but it can be done and we will go for it," he added with the Dutch league season getting underway this weekend.