Ajax Eyes Xavi and Jordi Cruyff for New Leadership Roles
Ajax is undergoing a period of significant changes. The Amsterdam-based club aims to kickstart a revolution next summer, and as reported by SPORT, they are considering Xavi to replace John van ‘t Schip, who announced his departure from the dugout effective June 30th. The ‘ajacied’ are currently experiencing a challenging sporting period. In early April, their chances of winning the Eredivisie are virtually non-existent, and they are out of the Champions League spots (21 points behind Feyenoord, the second-placed team, and ten points behind the league leader, PSV, who has played one more match). Therefore, Ajax must embark on a new project, where the name of the current Barcelona coach, as well as Jordi Cruyff, emerges.
Eight years without Johan Cruyff The roadmap to revive past glories in the Netherlands and regain prominence in Europe is laid out. In this regard, the Dutch club’s intention is to recreate the duo of Xavi and Jordi Cruyff, reminiscent of their collaboration at Camp Nou, with the former on the bench and the latter in the role of sporting director. Together, along with the financial and managerial expertise led by Mateu Alemany as the Football Area Director, they accomplished remarkable work at the Blaugrana institution. Despite limited resources, they managed to attract players like Christensen, Gündogan, or Kessie, who arrived without transfer fees. Both speak the same footballing language, a factor highly regarded by Ajax in planning their immediate future.
Jordi Cruyff was previously approached when Mark Overmars vacated his position as Ajax’s sporting director. The intention was to integrate him into the structure alongside Sven Mislintat and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, although it didn’t materialize at that time. Now, a year later, Ajax is revisiting the idea and is willing to reunite Cruyff and Xavi within the same project. Needless to say, the name Cruyff commands reverence in Amsterdam, but the Dutch club views Jordi as an individual with a distinct, well-established profile, earning respect beyond his lineage in the football world.
At Barcelona, Joan Laporta made every effort to retain Cruyff, a move he is also attempting with Xavi. However, as of today, nothing has changed, and the Catalan coach plans to leave the club next summer, foregoing the remaining year of his contract. If all circumstances align, and despite Xavi’s desire for a sabbatical year, there could be a possibility of seeing him alongside Jordi Cruyff at the Johan Cruyff Arena. The Dutch side will need significant persuasive abilities to turn their dream into reality.
