Ajax boss Maurice Steijn knows the pressure is building as he prepares his side to face Albion.

The Amsterdam giants lost 4-3 in a thriller at Utrecht yesterday and have slipped into the Eredivisie relegation zone with just five points from seven matches.

They have scored a fairly healthy 11 goals but conceded 16.

 

The trip to the Amex comes before a match which is getting even more focus in the Netherlands.

Ajax go to arch rivals PSV, who currently lead the table with nine wins from nine and a goal difference of 30-3, next weekend.

Steijn’s men trailed 2-0 at Utrecht, came back in the second half to lead 3-2 and were eventually sunk after a poor pass by Croatian centre-back Josip Sutalo.

One bright note was the performance of two-goal Icelandic teenager Kristian Hlynsson but otherwise it was a grim afternoon for Ajax.

Asked whether his job is under threat after the latest defeat, Steijn said: "It's an incredible sledgehammer blow, but you know, I'm working with Ajax 24/7.

“And if Ajax thinks that (a change of coach) is the solution, to achieve more results, who am I to stop that?"

Asked whether he would understand if he were sacked, Steijn replied: "Based on the results, I would understand, but based on what I hope to be able to achieve, I say 'no'. But again, that's something I can't control.

“if you score three goals away at Utrecht, you can't really lose it. That's not good enough either.

“I understand the questions, but this is not in my hands.”

First-choice goalkeeper Ray Gorter went off injured during the game and is a doubt for Thursday’s fixture.

Right-back Devyne Rensch missed the match through injury and it remains to be seen whether he is fit for the Amex.

Steven Berghuis was on the bench but is expected to start against the Seagulls.

Steijn is likely to make several changes again, partly with thoughts on the clash with PSV.

Diant Ramaj, a 22-year-old German went on as sub keeper yesterday, making his top-flight debut.

Ajax also have experienced ex-Villarreal keeper Geronimo Rulli on their books but the Argentinean has been injured of late.

Former Albion forward Chuba Akpom joined the action at Utrecht as a very late sub and has so far not impressed after his summer move from Middlesbrough.