Jordi Cruijff Prepares for Role as Ajax’s Technical Director

Jordi Cruijff will officially assume his position as the technical director of Ajax in February 2026, but he is already making his presence felt in Amsterdam. How will he address the new circumstances within the fanbase?

Cruijff will take over from Alex Kroes, who stepped down from his role earlier this season after dismissing John Heitinga as the head coach. Cruijff has signed a contract that extends until mid-2028.

Henk ten Cate, the new national coach of Suriname, believes this is a wise decision for the record champion. He remarked to Voetbal International, “Jordi brings a fresh perspective to football—realistic and straightforward, arguably less romantic than his father. He also carries his family name, which works in his favor. I have personal experience with him; he is a fantastic and very likable person. I genuinely hope he finds success in Amsterdam.”

However, Ten Cate has expressed dissatisfaction with Ajax’s current state of play. Despite the team’s recent victory against FC Volendam, he is critical of the club’s performance at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. Following Heitinga’s departure, Fred Grim was appointed as the interim coach, but Ten Cate finds Grim’s playing style unappealing. “It is disheartening how Ajax is performing right now,” he said.