Ajax out to impress

Fifth edition
Ajax will compete in the fifth edition of this event with two other sides entering the UEFA Champions League this coming season, Galatasaray SK and Internazionale FC, together with Liverpool FC, who will play in the UEFA Cup.

Setting sights high
"It might be a pre-season competition but Ajax will not be taking it lightly," said Koeman. "We won this trophy last year and, as it turned out, it was our only piece of silverware all season. This year we are eager to defend our title - and then set our sights on both the Champions League and the Dutch title."

Amsterdam ArenA
The tournament, which kicks off at 19.00CET on Friday, will be played at the Amsterdam ArenA. The opening game between Turkey's Galatasaray and Inter, Champions League semi-finalists last season, is expected to be watched in over 185 countries. It should prove to be an intriguing fixture for Hakan Sükür, now back in Galatasaray colours and facing one of his old clubs.

Litmanen faces former club
In the night's second match, starting at 21.15, Ajax forward Jari Litmanen is relishing the prospect of meeting his former club, Liverpool, who are expected to start with recent signing Harry Kewell. Litmanen, who helped steer Ajax to the quarter-finals of the Champions League last term, is anxious to prove a point to Liverpool manager Gérard Houllier, who deemed the Finn surplus to requirements.

'Not happy'
"Ideally I would have played a bigger part in Liverpool's bid for trophies during my time there," said Litmanen, who returned to Ajax from Anfield last August. "If I look at the seasons I spent at Anfield, I have to admit that there were times when I was not happy.

Chance to impress
"But this will be a good chance to show the Liverpool staff what a good player I am - and hopefully put one over them in the first match." On Sunday, Liverpool meet Galatasaray before Ajax close the tournament in their sell-out match with Inter.

Click herefor further information on the Amsterdam Tournament.