How did Dutch giants Ajax sink so low?

Historically bad. Ajax have just five points from eight Eredivisie games, losing their last five straight matches. A 4-0 home "Klassieker" defeat to Feyenoord, interrupted after crowd violence from Ajax fans, was a particular low point. Ajax are also struggling in Europe, without a win in the group stage of the Europa League. A toothless 2-0 loss against European debutants Brighton mid-week did little to dispel the gloom - Ajax had one shot on target and one third of possession.

The Dutch media are not mincing their words. The Algemeen Dagblad said: "This is news in Niger and Botswana. Ajax's league position. Eighteenth. And last. Not after a couple of games in August. But at the end of October." Club appointed just former Ajax’s glory Van ‘t Schip as interim coach to hope for ransom in a season to forget about.