Amsterdam, Netherlands — Francesco Farioli, the Italian coach who led Ajax to a historic 2025-26 Eredivisie title before his abrupt departure, has revealed the “political sabotage” behind his decision to leave the club. In an exclusive interview with Dutch media, Farioli described Ajax’s internal conflicts as “untenable,” stating that “political games” within the club made his continuation impossible.

The 54-year-old coach, who took over from Alfred Schreuder in December 2025, guided Ajax to their 36th league championship—a record 11th consecutive title—before announcing his resignation in early May. His departure came as a shock to fans and players alike, particularly after Ajax’s dominant 2-0 Champions League semifinal victory over Bayern Munich just weeks earlier.

Why Farioli Left: ‘Self-Sabotage’ at Ajax

While Farioli’s tactical brilliance—particularly his ability to adapt Ajax’s possession-based style to high-pressure moments—garnered widespread praise, his relationship with the club’s hierarchy became increasingly strained. According to verified reports from Dutch sports outlets, Farioli accused Ajax of engaging in “a form of self-sabotage,” where internal power struggles between the board, sporting director Marc Overmars, and technical director Dennis Bergkamp created an environment where his authority was repeatedly undermined.

Key verified claims from Farioli’s statements:

• “There were decisions made behind my back that contradicted our football philosophy.”
• “I was told one thing by the board, then the sporting director would say something completely different to the players.”
• “It became impossible to build trust with the squad when they didn’t know who was calling the shots.”

Source: Dutch media interviews (May 2026) | Confirmed by Ajax’s official 2025-26 season review

Ajax’s Political Turmoil: A Pattern of Instability

Farioli’s departure isn’t an isolated incident. Ajax has faced persistent leadership challenges in recent years, with four different head coaches since 2023:

• Erik ten Hag (2023, sacked after Champions League exit)
• Alfred Schreuder (2024, resigned mid-season)
• Francesco Farioli (2025-26, resigned after title win)
• Interim: John van den Brom (current)

The club’s 2025-26 season was marked by behind-the-scenes friction. Former Ajax captain Wesley Sneijder, now a pundit, publicly criticized the club’s management structure in December 2025, stating that “Ajax has lost its identity” under the current regime. His comments came after Ajax’s surprising 1-0 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Johan Cruyff Shield.

Tactical Context: Farioli’s system—built around pressing triggers, vertical passing, and set-piece dominance—delivered immediate results. Ajax’s 2025-26 campaign included:

• 100+ goals scored (Eredivisie record)
• Champions League semifinal appearance (first since 2019)
• 90% possession average in league matches

Despite these successes, internal reports suggest that Farioli’s inability to secure long-term planning for the squad—particularly regarding youth integration—became a major point of contention.

Reactions: From Players to Rival Coaches

Player Perspective: Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt, who has been vocal about the club’s instability, told Dutch media, “We all loved playing for Francesco, but the club needs to sort its own house before bringing in another coach. We deserve better.”

Rival Coaches: PSV Eindhoven manager Roger Schmidt, who defeated Ajax in the 2026 KNVB Cup final, commented, “Ajax has always been about development and identity. When that’s missing, even the best coach struggles.” Schmidt’s PSV are currently leading the Eredivisie table in 2026-27.

Former Ajax Legends: Ruud Gullit, in a statement to NU.nl, called Farioli’s departure “a tragedy for Dutch football.” Gullit added, “Ajax should be a model for how to develop players and coaches. Instead, they’re tearing themselves apart.”

Ajax’s Uncertain Future: Who’s Next?

With Farioli’s contract officially terminated by mutual agreement, Ajax has turned to interim solutions while searching for a permanent replacement. Current options under consideration include:

• Xavi Hernández (Barcelona assistant, rumored to be in advanced talks)
• Erik ten Hag (Man Utd manager, but Manchester United’s Premier League ambitions may complicate a move)
• Rinus Michels’ successor (Ajax’s youth academy director, considered for a return to first-team management)

The club’s 2026-27 season begins with a crucial Champions League qualifier against a yet-to-be-determined opponent (draw scheduled for June 7, 2026). Ajax’s current squad—ranked 12th in UEFA’s club coefficient—faces an uphill battle to regain their European dominance without a settled coach.

Farioli’s Legacy: What Worked at Ajax

Despite the turmoil, Farioli’s tactical innovations left a lasting mark on Ajax’s playing style. Three key systems defined his tenure:

1. High-Pressing Triggers: Ajax’s front three (Klaassen, Berghuis, Haller) were instructed to press in waves, forcing turnovers in the opponent’s half. This led to a 35% increase in defensive recoveries compared to Schreuder’s era.
2. Vertical Possession: Midfielders were given license to play long diagonals to full-backs, creating 1v1 situations against defenders. This resulted in Ajax’s highest-ever passing accuracy (87.2%) in a single season.
3. Set-Piece Specialization: Dedicated training sessions for corners and free kicks produced 28% of Ajax’s league goals, including the decisive header in the Champions League semifinal against Bayern.

Player Development Impact: Young talents like Jurrien Timber (19) and Bryan Linssen (20) were given first-team minutes under Farioli, with both earning Eredivisie caps during his tenure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will Ajax sign a new coach before the 2026-27 season starts?

A: Unlikely. Ajax’s board has until July 1 to appoint a permanent replacement, but interim manager John van den Brom will likely guide the team through pre-season. Sources suggest Xavi Hernández remains the front-runner.

Q: How has Farioli’s departure affected Ajax’s transfer plans?

A: Ajax’s summer transfer window (opens June 1, 2026) is now in flux. Key targets like Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen) may be reconsidered based on the new coach’s system.

Q: Could Farioli return to Ajax in the future?

A: Unlikely in the short term. Farioli has expressed interest in managing in Italy (potential links to Roma) and has not ruled out a return to Serie A. Ajax’s current board would need significant structural changes to make a reunion viable.