Frustration Mounts Among Ajax Fans Over Substitution of Oscar Gloukh

Oscar Gloukh left the pitch visibly frustrated on Sunday as Ajax suffered a 2–1 loss to FC Utrecht, continuing their turbulent Eredivisie campaign. The Israeli playmaker, once seen as one of the club’s brightest attacking prospects, was again substituted midway through the second half — a decision that has ignited another wave of criticism from supporters.

The substitution, replacing Gloukh with Davy Klaassen, drew loud groans from fans in the away section and a storm of reaction online. Many supporters have questioned interim coach Fred Grim’s tactical judgment, arguing that Ajax lost creativity and rhythm once Gloukh left the field.

Supporters Turn Against Substitution Decisions

Across social media, Ajax fans expressed their anger, particularly after a match in which the team had finally begun to show signs of cohesion in attack. One frustrated supporter wrote:

“The positional play improved slightly in the second half, and then Gloukh is taken off for Klaassen. It was the worst substitution possible. Bringing in Gaaei was also a disaster. Grim lost us the match, especially with the VAR decisions. I’m completely fed up with this Ajax DNA.”

Such reactions reflect the growing tension between supporters and the coaching staff, as Ajax continue to struggle for stability following a string of managerial changes and underwhelming results.

A Worrying Pattern for Ajax

This latest defeat compounds Ajax’s problems in the league, leaving them adrift in mid-table and far from European qualification spots. Grim’s substitution patterns have come under scrutiny in recent weeks, with fans accusing him of being too reactive rather than proactive in managing matches.

Gloukh, who joined the club with high expectations after his performances for Red Bull Salzburg, has now been substituted in six of his last seven appearances, often around the 60th-minute mark. Despite showing flashes of creativity, he has yet to cement his place in a system that appears to undervalue his attacking instincts.

Former Ajax midfielder Kenneth Perez, speaking on ESPN NL, questioned the logic behind the recurring substitutions:

“Gloukh brings something different — unpredictability, a touch of invention. But every time he looks comfortable, he’s taken off. You can’t build rhythm or confidence that way.”

What Lies Ahead

Ajax’s next fixtures could prove decisive in shaping the club’s season — and Grim’s short-term future. With upcoming games against Heerenveen and AZ Alkmaar, the coach faces mounting pressure to restore both form and faith among supporters.

For Gloukh, the focus will be on maintaining professionalism amid the frustration. Sources close to the player describe him as “determined but increasingly confused” by the recurring substitutions and tactical uncertainty surrounding the team.

Unless Ajax find a consistent attacking formula soon, Grim’s decisions — and Gloukh’s visible discontent — risk becoming a symbol of the broader dysfunction at the club.