Ajax Amsterdam’s former head coach, Francesco Farioli, decided to leave the club due to differing visions and timeframes for the project’s future with the management. He was replaced by John Heitinga, the current head coach, who was hired after serving as an assistant coach at Liverpool, as confirmed by AFC Ajax Amsterdamand AFC Ajax Amsterdam.
Why Farioli Left
- Differing Vision: Farioli and Ajax management had different ideas and timelines for how to achieve the club’s goals.
- Misaligned Principles: Farioli felt that these differences in principles and foundational approaches made it the right time to part ways with the club.
- Late-Season Collapse: His departure followed a disappointing end to the season where Ajax lost a significant lead and finished behind PSV Eindhoven.
Who Replaced Farioli
- John Heitinga: Ajax hired Heitinga, a former Ajax player, as their new head coach.
- Liverpool Connection: Heitinga was previously an assistant coach to Arne Slot at Liverpool, the Premier League title winners.
- Prior Experience at Ajax: Heitinga had previously served as an interim manager for Ajax in 2023
What’s Next for Ajax
- Building on the Foundation: Heitinga expressed excitement about the opportunity and stated his intention to build on the foundation that Farioli had established.Challenging Transfer Window: Farioli’s departure comes at a challenging time as the club prepares for a difficult transfer window.
