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5 clusters · 12 sources · 52 days · First seen · Last updated

Ajax squad rebuilding and manager scrutiny

Overview

Following a successful tenure at Girona, manager Míchel Sánchez has begun a squad rebuilding process at Ajax. Technical director Jordi Cruijff has implemented a strategy of securing major signings, including Julian Brandt and Marc ter Stegen, alongside players like Marcos Leonardo and Tolu Arokodare, to address roster gaps and manage the wage budget.

As the rebuilding progresses, Sánchez has faced criticism from former Ajax striker Wim Kieft regarding his management of individual players. Specifically, Kieft questioned Sánchez’s decision to publicly encourage Marcos Leonardo on the pitch during a match against FC Sion, after the striker missed several scoring opportunities. Leonardo continues to face pressure as he adjusts to the team.

Despite early periods of high performance, the club has experienced an inconsistent campaign. Recent struggles include a 1-1 draw against NEC, marking the club’s second consecutive home draw. During the NEC match, Sánchez was involved in a heated exchange with Israeli midfielder Oscar Gloukh following the player’s substitution in the 60th minute.

Sánchez also faces scrutiny regarding his communication and commitment. Commentator Sjoerd Mossou noted a potential disconnect within the squad, reporting that the Spanish manager speaks little English despite the diverse nationalities of the recruited players. Furthermore, Sánchez faced criticism for his absence during an international break; he later clarified that he traveled to Spain to support his son, who suffered a serious knee injury.

Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit has also questioned Sánchez’s management of Tolu Arokodare. Although Arokodare has shown high goalscoring efficiency, Gullit expressed concern regarding his frequent placement on the bench and Sánchez’s “nervous demeanor on the touchline.”

Entities

Michel Sánchez · Ajax · Tolu Arokodare · Poljud · Ruud Gullit

Timeline

  1. [SPORTS] 8 sources
    Ajax manager Míchel Sánchez faces scrutiny amid club struggles

    Ajax manager Míchel Sánchez faces criticism over player substitutions, squad management, and a recent trip to Spain, amid the club's inconsistent start to the season.

  2. [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Ajax manager Míchel Sánchez provides squad fitness and selection updates

    Ajax manager Míchel Sánchez addresses squad fitness, including injuries to Blind and Adingra, while confirming Kasper Dolberg will start against Excelsior following strong recent performances.

  3. [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Ajax enters title race under manager Míchel Sánchez

    Under coach Míchel Sánchez, Ajax is showing strong form in the Eredivisie, averaging 3.5 goals per game and positioning themselves as title contenders following a dominant 5-1 win over Willem II.

  4. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Ajax manager Míchel Sánchez criticized over public support of Marcos Leonardo

    Wim Kieft advises Ajax manager Míchel Sánchez to keep private conversations with struggling striker Marcos Leonardo in the locker room rather than on the pitch.

  5. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Míchel Sánchez leads Ajax squad rebuilding following Girona success

    Míchel Sánchez brings his transformative coaching reputation to Ajax, where technical director Jordi Cruijff manages a complex squad rebuilding process through aggressive transfers.

Sources

24hod.sk · ajaxshowtime.com · index.hr · lacritica.com.ar · mundodeportivo.com · punchng.com · sita.sk · sport.aktuality.sk · sportklub.n1info.hr · spox.com · telegrafi.com · voetbalprimeur.nl

This summary has been updated 4 times: see revision history