Farioli Leaves Ajax: Differences in the Club’s Vision
Francesco Farioli has resigned as coach of Ajax, citing discrepancies in the “vision” and “deadlines” for achieving the club’s goals. The decision, which has surprised many, comes after a season full of ups and downs for the team.
Sources close to the club indicate that the differences of opinion centered on the signing strategy and the renewal of key players’ contracts. This frustration reached its peak after the end of the season.
Farioli, who joined Ajax in June 2024 from Nice, led the team to second place in the Eredivisie this season. The team came close to achieving even greater success, but surrendered a nine-point lead in the league with five games remaining.
Although he had a contract until 2027, Farioli has decided to leave the club after only one season. Visibly emotional, the coach did not comment on his future after the 2-0 victory against FC Twente.
Farioli is considered one of the most promising young coaches in Europe, and will surely have several interesting offers.
My journey at Ajax began almost a year ago, with the goal of returning Ajax to where it belongs. And it ended at the Johan Cruyff Arena, finally taking Ajax to the Champions League, the biggest stage in European football.
Francesco Farioli
Farioli added that his goal was to bring new energy to the entire Ajax community, sharing a positive way of working and thinking at all levels of the club.
Francesco Farioli, visibly emotional after Ajax’s last match of the season.
Farioli also highlighted the honor of being the first non-Dutch coach of Ajax since 1998 and the first Italian in the club’s history. He thanked his coaching staff, the fans, and recalled the unforgettable moments experienced during the season.
According to Farioli, although he shares the same goals for the future of Ajax with the board, there are differences in vision and the timeframes for achieving those goals. For this reason, he believes that it is the right time to separate.
Ajax will now have to look for a replacement for Farioli, which, according to technical director Alex Kroes, further complicates the summer transfer window.
I find this incredibly disappointing. Francesco and his team have been of great help to us. It has been an intense season full of many memorable moments, and we achieved our goal: qualifying for next season’s Champions League. Francesco also played a key role in improving the high-performance culture at Ajax, for which we are very grateful.
Alex Kroes
Kroes added that the club must ensure the arrival of a strong new coaching staff before the start of the preseason on June 26.
