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Ajax squad rebuilding and manager scrutiny

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-14 03:57 UTC → 2026-10-14 09:02 UTC · added removed

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, who joined the club for nearly twenty million euros, Leonardo continues to face pressure as he adjusts to the team. Despite early periods of high performance, the club has recently experienced an inconsistent campaign, dropping points in home matches campaign. Recent struggles include a 1-1 draw against Heerenveen, Excelsior, and NEC. Manager NEC, marking the club’s second consecutive home draw. During the NEC match, Sánchez is now facing 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 tactical decisions communication and communication. 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 recorded seven goals and two assists in 10 appearances since joining on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, he has struggled to secure a consistent starting position. shown high goalscoring efficiency, Gullit also expressed concern regarding his frequent placement on the bench and Sánchez’s “nervous demeanor on the touchline.” Squad selection remains complicated by injuries to Daley Blind, Aaron Bouwman, and Simon Adingra, while Yves Bissouma remains ineligible. Kasper Dolberg has recently secured starting roles due to his professional conduct, particularly when Arokodare was unavailable due to illness.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-14 09:02 UTC Ajax squad rebuilding and manager scrutiny
  2. 2026-10-14 03:57 UTC Ajax squad rebuilding and manager scrutiny
  3. 2026-09-19 23:02 UTC Ajax football club squad rebuilding and title contention
  4. 2026-09-16 19:58 UTC Ajax football club squad rebuilding and title contention
  5. 2026-08-29 19:16 UTC Ajax football club squad rebuilding

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