Ajax Eyes Xavi to Lead the New Project

Ajax is contemplating Xavi to lead their new project as the Dutch club still lacks a coach for the upcoming season. The Egarense’s footballing profile and game conception appeal to the club.

Ajax finds itself in a rather delicate institutional moment. Already eliminated from European competitions and out of the Champions League spots, trailing the leader by 28 points, the Amsterdam-based team is seeking ways to reclaim dominance in their country. Last season, Eredivisie was claimed by Feyenoord, and this season, PSV is set to do so. To rise from the ashes, Ajax has Xavi Hernández on their list of candidates to take over the helm next season.

The current Ajax coach, John van ‘t Schip, recently announced he would leave his position on June 30. The Dutchman took over in October after the dismissal of Maurice Steijn and the brief tenure of Hedwiges Maduro as interim coach. Meanwhile, the club has suspended its CEO, Alex Kroes, for insider trading.

Facing such circumstances and aiming to return to their rightful level, Ajax has a list of candidates that includes Xavi Hernández, coach of FC Barcelona, as SPORT learned. The decision of the Egarense to leave his position at the end of the season hasn’t gone unnoticed by some teams in search of a coach for the upcoming season, especially Ajax, which seeks a figure whose parameters align with those of the former Barça captain. There has only been a preliminary inquiry into the coach’s environment.

The Egarense Fits What the Dutch Club Seeks The Amsterdam-based club values Xavi’s experience as a former player and the fact that at Barça, he’s handling many young talents. Ajax also boasts a significant roster of young players and academy graduates, hence their high regard for the Terrassa native. Above all, they appreciate Xavi’s profile, favoring playing out from the back and possession football.

However, it’s important to note that Xavi’s plans still lean towards taking a sabbatical year. Likewise, the possibility of Xavi staying at the helm of Barça is by no means ruled out. The Catalan club feels confident and has arguments to persuade the Egarense to change his mind, especially if the team performs well against PSG and if the economic situation improves heading into next summer.