Ajax entered the international break facing severe scrutiny following a 2–1 defeat to Hajduk Split in the Conference League and a draw against NEC, prompting fierce criticism from analysts across Dutch media outlets regarding technical director Jordi Cruijff’s squad construction and the club’s current trajectory.
Ajax Faces Severe Backlash After Conference League Defeat
The Amsterdam club traveled to Croatia looking to build momentum in Europe but suffered what soccernews.nl reported as an unsettling 2–1 loss against Hajduk Split. That result compounded a disappointing domestic draw against NEC, leaving the team struggling for form ahead of upcoming fixtures in the Eredivisie and European competition. The performance drew sharp rebukes from high-profile commentators who questioned the entire direction of the squad under the current technical leadership.
Valentijn Driessen Criticizes Cruijff’s Roster Management
Writing in De Telegraaf, journalist Valentijn Driessen delivered scathing remarks regarding the transfer strategy implemented by Jordi Cruijff. Driessen stated that Cruijff was given a free hand to rebuild Ajax from the ruins of previous regimes but instead assembled a collection of players that lacks cohesion. According to De Telegraaf, the squad resembles a hastily gathered mix of a few top-tier players and widespread mediocrity, failing to reflect traditional Ajax values or effective tactical planning.
Valentijn Driessen tipt Jordi Cruijff voor nummer 6-positie: ‘Haal hém gewoon op!’ https://t.co/MReaz5DCoN #vandaaginside pic.twitter.com/qWzhSpb6uy
Further elaborating in the De Telegraaf football podcast, Driessen contrasted Jordi’s methods with those of his legendary father, Johan Cruijff, noting that the former leadership prioritized youth development at De Toekomst before looking abroad. VoetbalPrimeur reported Driessen describing the team’s display in Croatia as tenenkrommend (cringe-worthy) and labeling the multi-national squad a foreign legion devoid of tactical structure or unity on the pitch.
Derksen and Van der Gijp Question Executive Power
The discussion around the club’s administrative choices extended to the television program Vandaag Inside, where analysts René van der Gijp and Johan Derksen voiced deep skepticism over the authority granted to Cruijff. Voetbalzone reported that Derksen compared the current situation unfavorably to the tenure of former director Sven Mislintat, questioning why substantial power was delegated based on a famous surname rather than proven executive achievements in modern football. Van der Gijp added that outside of a few recognizable names such as goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, Julian Brandt, and forward Tolu Arokodare, many of the summer arrivals were unknowns whose suitability for the Eredivisie remains unproven.
Concerns Over De Toekomst Youth and Outbound Transfers
Critics also pointed to the declining presence of homegrown talent from the De Toekomst academy in the senior side. highlighted the departures of prospects such as Sean Steur and Mika Godts as evidence of a departure from the club’s core philosophy. ESPN analyst Mario Been echoed these concerns during a broadcast, noting that while the club received significant funds from selling players like Godts, the incoming reinforcements have not provided sufficient speed or midfield movement, leaving the defense exposed during recent matches.
Upcoming Eredivisie Fixture Against FC Groningen
Ajax returns to domestic action with an Eredivisie fixture against FC Groningen on Sunday afternoon. The match serves as an immediate test for manager Míchel Sánchez and technical director Jordi Cruijff as they attempt to stabilize results following the European setback in Split and mounting pressure from analysts and supporters alike.
