Amsterdam – Ajax is bracing for significant change this summer, with incoming technical director Jordi Cruijff expected to initiate a sweeping roster overhaul and potentially another managerial change. That’s according to club observer Johan Inan, speaking recently on the AD Voetbalpodcast.
Cruijff officially assumed his role as Ajax’s technical director on February 1st, succeeding Alex Kroes. In a short period, he’s already made his presence felt within the Amsterdam club. First, Willem Weijs was relieved of his duties as Jong Ajax coach, replaced by Cruijff’s long-time associate Óscar García. More recently, on Sunday, interim coach Fred Grim departed, with García stepping up to lead the first team. García now faces the task of guiding Ajax to a crucial second-place finish in the Eredivisie – and a coveted Champions League berth – for the remainder of the season.
The speed and decisiveness of Cruijff’s actions are striking. “Jordi Cruijff comes in and says: you’re out, you’re out, you need to do this, you need to do that,” Inan observed. Cruijff has also been forthright about his ambitions: “I want to return to the top as quickly as possible.” This approach represents a stark contrast to his predecessor. “Cruijff is really the opposite of Alex Kroes in that regard. Where Kroes wants to be involved in everything, Cruijff isn’t about consensus-building and doesn’t talk about ‘projects’ or ‘long-term’ plans,” Inan explained.
Cruijff’s decision to sign a relatively short contract – extending through mid-2028 – further underscores his urgency. “He wants to create a winning team immediately and develop into champions right away. That means taking a high-risk, high-reward approach and being incredibly ambitious,” Inan added.
Even as Cruijff has already made impactful changes, Inan anticipates even more significant shifts during the upcoming transfer window. “There’s a tremendous amount of work to be done during the transfer period. I think a major clear-out is going to seize place.” The managerial position is also likely to be subject to further scrutiny. “I don’t expect García to be the intended permanent head coach. That’s just a feeling. His CV is too strong for Jong Ajax, but perhaps not substantial enough for Ajax 1. I expect a different head coach for Ajax,” Inan concluded.
The situation at Ajax is particularly sensitive given the club’s historical stature in Dutch football and its recent struggles to consistently compete at the highest levels. Ajax has a rich tradition of developing young talent and playing attacking, possession-based football – a philosophy often associated with the legacy of Johan Cruijff, Jordi’s father. The pressure to restore that winning mentality is immense.
The appointment of García, while initially a temporary measure, represents a shift in tactical approach. García is known for his pragmatic and defensively solid style of play, which may be seen as a departure from the more expansive football traditionally favored by Ajax supporters. Whether this tactical adjustment will prove successful in the short term remains to be seen.
The upcoming transfer window will be critical in shaping the future of the Ajax squad. Cruijff is expected to prioritize players who fit his tactical vision and possess the necessary character and work ethic to compete at the highest level. Several high-profile players could be on their way out of the club as Cruijff seeks to rebuild the team in his image.
For Ajax fans, the prospect of another managerial change may be unsettling. The club has seen a revolving door of coaches in recent years, and a lack of stability has undoubtedly contributed to their inconsistent performances. But, Cruijff’s reputation as a decisive and ambitious leader suggests that he is determined to find the right manager to lead the team forward.
The contrast between Cruijff and his predecessor, Alex Kroes, is particularly noteworthy. Kroes was known for his meticulous planning and his desire to build a long-term project. Cruijff, appears to be focused on immediate results and is willing to make bold decisions to achieve them. This difference in approach could have a significant impact on the club’s transfer strategy and overall philosophy.
The stakes are high for Ajax. A second-place finish in the Eredivisie is essential to secure a spot in the lucrative Champions League competition. Failure to qualify for the Champions League would not only be a financial blow but would also damage the club’s prestige and ability to attract top players. The pressure on García and Cruijff to deliver results is therefore immense.
The club’s supporters will be watching closely to see how Cruijff’s overhaul unfolds. The coming months will be a defining period for Ajax, and the decisions made now will shape the club’s future for years to come. The expectation is clear: Jordi Cruijff is tasked with restoring Ajax to its former glory, and he appears determined to do so with speed and conviction.
Ajax’s next match is against Sparta Rotterdam on Saturday evening. The outcome of this match will be crucial in their pursuit of a second-place finish in the Eredivisie. Fans will be eager to see how García’s team performs under pressure and whether they can maintain their momentum in the final stretch of the season.
What are your thoughts on Jordi Cruijff’s plans for Ajax? Share your opinions in the comments below.
