Ajax Faces Cultural Concerns as Outsiders Question Club’s Professionalism

Amsterdam – Ajax, currently under interim manager Óscar García as they pursue a Champions League berth, is grappling with growing concerns about its internal culture. Recent commentary from columnist Menno Pot, along with observations from players and staff, suggests a widening gap between the club’s storied history and its current operational standards. The issues center around a perceived lack of rigor and a surprising degree of optionality in areas traditionally considered non-negotiable for elite athletes.

A Pattern of Discomfort

Pot, writing in his column for Het Parool, highlighted a recurring theme: the surprise expressed by foreign players and coaches upon arriving at Ajax. “It seems telling that virtually every foreigner who lands at Ajax is surprised by the freedom and lack of modern top-sport perfectionism,” Pot wrote. He specifically named Jordan Henderson, Francesco Farioli, Oscar Gloukh, and members of García’s current staff as those who have voiced concerns. This isn’t a new development, according to Pot, but a decline that began several years ago.

The concerns aren’t limited to newcomers. Former captain Dusan Tadic reportedly noticed a shift in the club’s culture when Erik ten Hag was succeeded by Alfred Schreuder. Under Ten Hag, discipline was paramount; under Schreuder, that structure began to erode. This shift is exemplified by a seemingly small, yet telling, change: the gym became optional. As Pot succinctly set it, “The gym was suddenly optional. You didn’t have to share Steven Bergwijn twice.”

A Lack of Intensity

The current situation under García doesn’t appear to have significantly improved. Staff members within the club have reportedly been shocked by the intensity – or lack thereof – in training sessions and the overall atmosphere. This echoes sentiments expressed after a recent match against Sparta, where players subtly alluded to the need for a more demanding training regimen. Sean Steur commented that intense training directly translates to increased energy levels during matches, a point that, according to Pot, implicitly criticized the previous approach.

Analyst Mario Been further fueled the discussion on ESPN, questioning why such intensity wasn’t consistently present under previous managers Fred Grim and Heitinga. This suggests a deeper issue than simply the current coaching staff; it points to a systemic problem within the club’s approach to preparation and professionalism.

Cruijff Offers Hope for Change

Amidst the criticism, there’s a sense of optimism surrounding the appointment of Jordi Cruijff as technical director. Pot expressed a positive outlook, noting Cruijff’s “autonomous Spanish” approach and limited “microdosing” of Ajax DNA. This suggests a belief that Cruijff, with his outside perspective, can implement the necessary changes to restore a culture of high performance. Pot playfully remarked, “Se siente bien, Jordi” – a Spanish phrase meaning “It feels good, Jordi.”

The situation at Ajax highlights a broader challenge faced by many historically successful clubs: maintaining a winning culture in a rapidly evolving sporting landscape. The demands of modern top-level football require unwavering commitment to detail, relentless pursuit of improvement, and a consistent level of intensity. It appears Ajax has, at least recently, fallen short in these areas.

What’s Next for Ajax?

Ajax faces a crucial Klassieker against Feyenoord on Sunday, March 29, 2026. The outcome of this match will have significant implications for their Champions League qualification hopes. Whether García can instill a greater sense of urgency and discipline in the squad before the match remains to be seen. The club’s long-term success likely hinges on Cruijff’s ability to implement lasting cultural changes and restore Ajax to its former glory. The pressure is on to deliver a performance that reflects a renewed commitment to professionalism and a return to the standards expected of one of Europe’s most iconic clubs.

The coming weeks will be a critical test for Ajax, as they strive to balance immediate results with the long-term goal of rebuilding a winning culture. Fans will be watching closely to see if the club can address these concerns and rediscover the intensity and dedication that once defined its success.