Ajax Surprised by Xavi’s Continuity; Eyes Replacement Options

The Ajax football club finds itself in a challenging situation both institutionally and athletically. With PSV on the verge of clinching the Eredivisie title, Ajax sits fifth, out of Champions League contention, and eliminated from all European competitions.

The sporting crisis began at the start of the season with the team’s worst-ever start and the dismissal of Maurice Steijn, replaced by John van ‘t Schip. The institutional debacle peaked with the suspension of CEO Alex Kroes over alleged insider trading.

Van ‘t Schip is set to depart Ajax at the end of the season, prompting the club to search for a replacement. Among the leading candidates are Erik Ten Hag, Graham Potter, and Francesco Farioli, as reported by ‘De Telegraaf.’

Surprisingly, Ajax had considered Xavi as a potential coach for the upcoming season, although there were no formal contacts beyond the Dutch club’s interest. However, Xavi’s decision to remain at Barcelona caught Ajax off guard.

Ajax now faces the task of choosing from the remaining options. “We cannot afford to take risks, especially given the current phase we are in. We will bring in personnel who have been thoroughly analyzed and will assist us. If you think logically about football, there are many simple answers. You just have to act accordingly,” explained Marjin Beucker, the sporting director.

Candidates like Ten Hag, known for his success with Ajax in Europe, as well as Potter (Brighton) and Farioli (Niza coach and De Zerbi’s assistant at Sassuolo), offer similar footballing profiles. However, Xavi’s affinity with Barcelona’s philosophy of attacking football and youth development makes him an intriguing fit for Ajax.