Ajax boss Francesco Farioli quits after Eredivisie title MELTDOWN

Robin Bairner

Updated: 19 May 2025 05:03 CDT
3 min read

Francesco Farioli, Ajax — © IMAGO/FootballTransfers

Ajax head coach Francesco Farioli has left the Amsterdam club following a remarkable meltdown that saw his side miss out on the Eredivisie title.

Article continues under the video

In a statement published by Ajax, the Dutch giants have confirmed that the Italian has resigned after Sunday’s 2-0 home victory over FC Twente, which was not sufficient to lead the club to Eredivisie glory.

Farioli’s side ended the season second in the Dutch top-flight, giving the club much-needed Champions League football next term, yet the loss of a nine-point lead with five games will be the most memorable mark the former Nice boss leaves on the club. Ajax notably conceded a vital equaliser against 10-man Groningen on Wednesday.

He leaves after just one season in charge.

In recent weeks, it became increasingly clear that there were structural differences of opinion between the club management and the coach. Farioli reportedly had difficulty with the explicit desire from the board to play "typical Ajax football" - attractive, dominant and focused on ball possession.

In addition, opinions differed about the retention of Jordan Henderson and a possible return of club icon Dusan Tadic.

Both director of football affairs Marijn Beuker and technical director Alex Kroes wanted to offer Farioli the chance to play in the club’s desired manner with a strengthened squad. But the coach has chosen to terminate his contract, which had two years left to run.

Next Ajax manager: Who will replace Farioli?

The next Ajax manager is unclear at this point, with Farioli’s resignation coming as something of a surprise.

It is not unthinkable that the Amsterdammers will end up welcoming back Erik ten Hag, the former Manchester United boss who is currently without a club.

Paul Simonis can also be seen as a candidate. The coach performed excellently in his first year as head coach at Go Ahead Eagles and led the club to the KNVB Cup and thus the group stage of the Europa League.