Francesco Farioli leaves Ajax after failing to win the title

Francesco Farioli has officially stepped down as head coach of Ajax, just one year after taking charge of the historic Dutch club.

The decision comes in the aftermath of a dramatic and ultimately disappointing end to the Eredivisie season, in which Ajax surrendered a commanding lead at the top of the table, allowing PSV Eindhoven to snatch the title in the final weeks.

Despite securing Champions League qualification, which was seen as a minimum requirement for the season, Farioli’s departure highlights the fine margins and intense pressure that come with managing one of Europe’s most storied football clubs. His exit is not the result of failure in absolute terms, but rather a reflection of differing visions between the coach and the club’s hierarchy on how to move forward.

"The board and I share the same goals for Ajax’s future, but we have different visions and timelines on how to work and operate to achieve them," explained Farioli in a statement released by the club. The Italian tactician had signed a long-term contract until 2027 but chose to walk away from the project earlier than expected.

Farioli arrived in Amsterdam in May 2024 after a promising spell at OGC Nice in France’s Ligue 1. Young, tactically astute, and known for his modern approach to football, he was seen as a fresh face capable of reviving Ajax’s attacking identity. Early signs were promising. Under his guidance, Ajax played attractive football and climbed to the top of the Eredivisie, building a nine-point cushion with just five games to play.

However, the momentum collapsed at a critical stage. A series of unexpected draws and defeats combined with PSV Eindhoven’s relentless form turned the title race on its head. The Dutch giants, who seemed poised to lift the Eredivisie trophy for the first time since 2021, were left empty-handed as PSV surged to the top and sealed the championship.

Reflecting on his brief tenure, Farioli remained gracious. "My journey at Ajax began almost a year ago with the goal of bringing the club back to where it belongs. It ended at the Johan Cruyff Arena, where we qualified for the Champions League," he said. "It was an absolute privilege to be the first foreign head coach of Ajax since 1998 and the first Italian in the club’s history."

His words carried a tone of pride and gratitude. "Together with my staff, we took on this great challenge with respect, responsibility, passion, and a determination to win. Receiving the respect and support of the Ajax fans, which we felt throughout the season, meant a lot to me and my team."

Ajax’s technical director, Alex Kroes, expressed both disappointment and appreciation for the coach's contributions. "His departure is a pity," Kroes admitted. "Francesco played a key role in getting us back into the Champions League, which was our top priority for the season. We are very grateful to him for that."

Kroes also addressed the challenges that lie ahead. "We were already expecting a tough summer transfer window, but now it will be even more complex with a managerial change. It’s up to us to ensure that there’s a strong new coaching team in place by the time pre-season begins on June 26."

Farioli’s exit adds yet another chapter to Ajax’s ongoing process of rebuilding after several seasons of instability and underperformance at both domestic and European levels. Since the departure of Erik ten Hag in 2022, the club has struggled to find consistent leadership capable of delivering both results and style two pillars of Ajax’s proud footballing identity.

While Farioli’s tenure may have been short-lived, it’s clear that his time at Ajax left a mark. His tactical approach, trust in young talent, and calm demeanor earned him respect within the dressing room and among the fanbase. But in a club where philosophy and performance are equally scrutinized, even narrow margins such as losing the title despite leading late in the season can tip the balance.

Now, Ajax face a critical summer. A new coach must be appointed swiftly, the squad needs reinforcement, and the club will once again aim to restore its dominance in Dutch football while making a meaningful impact in the Champions League.

For Farioli, the experience at Ajax will undoubtedly be a valuable one. At just 36 years old, his coaching journey is still in its early stages, and he leaves Amsterdam with enhanced credibility and experience at the top level. Whether his next move keeps him in a top-five European league or sees him take on a new project elsewhere, his reputation as one of the brightest young minds in football remains intact.