Ajax defender Itakura Ko (28) was off the bench in the home game against Hercules. At a press conference after the match, manager Haitingha explained, “Itakura wasn't 100% and wasn't in good condition to start.” The team won 2-0, with two wins and one draw from the start.
Itakura started in the match against Go-Ahead Eagle (2-2) on the 17th, making his first appearance since his transfer. He showed consistent play as a right centre-back, but in the 32nd minute of the second half he held the ball near his right calf and sat on the pitch, and was substituted in the middle. Manager Haitingha said, “I took good care of him because I had a leg cramp. I think I'll be able to return next week,” but the Japanese national team defender was not in perfect condition and missed the match against Hercules that day.
