Frank de Boer has said that Ajax's exit from the Champions League is "so sad" for the club and Dutch football in general.
The Eredivisie side were beaten 5-4 on aggregate by Rapid Vienna in a qualification tie after Louis Schaub scored inside the final 15 minutes at the Amsterdam ArenA for the Austrians.
The coach said at his post-match press conference: "This is so sad, for us and Dutch football. I felt that this young team could make the difference. Unfortunately this was not the case. We will continue. The Europa League is very important because it is crucial to play in Europe.
"Shortly after the 2-2 I wanted to transform the team and play a defensive midfielder, allowing [Arkadiusz] Milik to play behind [Yaya] Sanogo. Then you could build a little more security. I should have done it 15 seconds earlier. Although it is sour that we conceded a goal after our own throw-in."
It is the first time in six years that Ajax have failed to qualify for the group stage of the competition.
Sian Cowper
