Ajax head coach Francesco Farioli has stepped down following a dramatic end-of-season collapse that saw the club surrender the Eredivisie title to PSV Eindhoven.
Farioli, 36, leaves after just one year in charge, having arrived on a three-year contract last summer. Despite leading Ajax to a nine-point advantage with seven games remaining, the Amsterdam giants ultimately finished a single point behind PSV.
In a statement confirming his departure, the Italian coach said the decision was mutual and rooted in differing philosophies over how to move forward.
“The management and I have the same goals for the future of Ajax, but we have different visions and timeframes about the way we should work and operate to achieve those goals,” Farioli explained. “Given these differences in the principles and foundations of the project, I feel deep in my heart that this is the best moment to part ways.”
Despite the bitter end to the title race, Ajax technical director Alex Kroes praised Farioli’s influence at the club, particularly in helping to secure Champions League qualification and improve internal standards.
“Francesco also played a key role in enhancing the high-performance culture at Ajax, for which we are extremely grateful,” Kroes said. “His departure is incredibly disappointing.”
Kroes acknowledged that the upcoming transfer window was already set to be difficult, and Farioli’s exit only compounds the challenge. “It is up to us to ensure that a strong new coaching team is in place when pre-season preparations begin on 26 June.”
Farioli, known for his tactical intellect and calm demeanour, had impressed early in the season, but Ajax’s late run of poor form – including crucial dropped points against mid-table opposition – proved costly in the title race.
Attention now turns to who will take over at the Johan Cruyff Arena, with the club facing a crucial summer as they look to rebuild and challenge for domestic dominance once again.