Francesco Farioli, the Italian coach, has declared his intention to leave Ajax Amsterdam after completing just one season at the helm, with his departure set for the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign. The announcement was made on Monday, with the club reiterating his reasons for stepping down, which center around differing visions and timeframes for achieving their objectives despite sharing a common goal for the future.
During Farioli’s tenure, Ajax managed to secure a second-place finish in the Eredivisie, concluding the season with a 2-0 victory over FC Twente. The team finished with a total of 78 points from 34 matches, which left them a single point short of the league champions, PSV Eindhoven. Though reaching second place qualifies Ajax for next season’s UEFA Champions League, the team’s recent performance, which included a disappointing loss of a commanding nine-point lead at the top, has left fans and management feeling frustrated.
Farioli expressed pride in being Ajax’s first non-Dutch, and first Italian coach, reflecting on a journey filled with passion and determination. He noted the importance of fostering a positive culture within the club and emphasized the unforgettable experiences shared with fans, teammates, and staff throughout the season.
Ajax’s technical director, Alex Kroes, voiced his disappointment at Farioli’s decision to leave, highlighting his significant contributions toward achieving Champions League qualification and enhancing the club’s high-performance culture. Kroes acknowledged the upcoming summer as a challenging transfer window and underscored the necessity of establishing a robust coaching team ahead of the pre-season preparations.
This transition comes at a crucial juncture for Ajax, as they prepare to resume their bid for domestic and European success. The bright side includes the potential for a fresh approach that could rejuvenate the squad for the upcoming season.
Farioli’s departure, while disappointing for the club, may signal an opportunity for Ajax to realign their strategy and ambitions moving forward, paving the way for another exciting chapter in their storied history.