Keane: My Sunderland side must learn lessons from Ajax defeat

manager Roy Keane is hoping his side learn lessons from yesterday's 1-0 defeat to Ajax ahead of the new Barclays Premier League season.

The Black Cats created the bulk of the opportunities against Marco van Basten's team at the Stadium of Light, but went down to Klaas Jan Huntelaar's strike nine minutes after half-time.

Daryl Murphy skimmed the outside of the post just before the interval and El-Hadji Diouf brought a fine save out of Maarten Stekelenburg with a late free-kick, but that was as close as the hosts came.

'There was lots of good play, lots of half-chances, lots of very good chances,' said Keane. "They got one, probably two, really good clear-cut chances.

'I'd hate to be speaking to you in six months' time saying 'Yeah some good play but we lost 1-0'. You've got to put the ball in the back of the net.'

The former Republic of Ireland international took positives, however, from the way his new signings have settled in.

Teemu Tainio looked at home in midfield, breaking up countless Ajax attacks, while his former Tottenham team-mates Pascal Chimbonda and Steed Malbranque also
impressed along with former El-Hadji Diouf.

'He's done very well,' Keane said of the former Bolton striker.

'All these lads have been at the club a week or so. There's other stuff that players have to deal with, they've got families moving up and houses to sort out - that stuff can sidetrack you, without a doubt.

'I thought all the new players looked very assured today, very comfortable. They'll only get stronger and better.

'They can all deal with the ball, which is the type of player I want at the club. I'm delighted with them.'

Keane, whose team begin their Premier League campaign in under a fortnight against Liverpool, has become a firm favourite among Black Cats fans since his arrival on Wearside two years ago but has only a year left on his existing contract.

The 36-year-old insists he is not concerning himself with such matters at the moment, however, as he puts all his energy into gearing up for the new campaign.

'We've been focused on pre-season, trying to bring players in - my situation is not the priority," he said. "I couldn't agree with (chairman) Niall (Quinn) more - it's not important.

'I'm very relaxed. If it happens next month, Christmas, January... I'm very relaxed about it. It's up to Niall and (chief executive) Peter (Walker) and the board.'

In the opposing dugout to Keane yesterday was another legendary former player in his first job in club management, and Van Basten was pleased with the way his new-look Ajax side acquitted themselves.

'I think we can be happy with the result,' said the former Holland coach.

'Sunderland are more prepared physically than we are at the moment. They are two weeks before starting the competition. We are still four weeks away.

'They play in a certain way which is very physical. That's the reason why we have to try to play football. It's not always easy. But that's our goal.'