Ajax’s Strategic Embrace of Former Players

Has Ajax become too corporate in recent years? Many former Ajax players have left Amsterdam, but now there are opportunities for their return.

‘Former Players Return to Ajax’

Jordi Cruijff seeks to unite the ‘new’ world with the ‘old’ at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, as reported by De Telegraaf. It states, “Concerns that Jordi might be a bit conservative like his father were proven unfounded during numerous discussions. The prospective technical director expressed a desire to collaborate closely with the non-football, but business-oriented executives within the board, supervisory board, and management council. Although he believes that data should be supportive rather than leading, he is open to ambitious data-driven coaches and scientific advancements. Consequently, he aims to have a young, ambitious (data) trainer familiar with the latest insights at every youth team, alongside a former Ajax player.”

Wesley Sneijder

Recently, Sneijder engaged in discussions with General Director Menno Geelen and shared on Ziggo Sport: “I had a productive conversation with Menno, which was very pleasant. However, we first need to appoint a technical director (successor to Alex Kroes, Ed.). I really had to leave, or I would have missed my flight to Curaçao, but it was an official meeting. We discussed a few matters that I cannot disclose here. The message is clear: we need to appoint a new technical director, and then we will assess where my position fits in.” The new technical director has now been appointed, although Cruijff is expected to gain authority by February.