Francesco Farioli has resigned as manager of Ajax, just hours after his team narrowly missed out on the Eredivisie title. The defeat visibly affected the Italian, who was seen breaking down in tears on the pitch after the final match.
Ajax finished the season second in the Eredivisie with 78 points, trailing champions PSV by a single point.
The 36-year-old Italian confirmed his decision to the club`s board less than 24 hours after the heartbreaking conclusion to the season.
Farioli joined Ajax a year ago from Nice, signing a three-year contract in Amsterdam.
However, Farioli and his coaching staff have now chosen to depart, marking three consecutive seasons without a league title for Ajax.
Reflecting on his time at the club, Farioli stated: “My journey at Ajax started almost one year ago, at De Toekomst, with the aim of bringing Ajax back to where it belongs. And it ended at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, finally bringing back Ajax to the Champions League, the biggest stage of European football.”
He added: “We wanted to bring new energy to the whole Ajax community, sharing a positive way of working and thinking with the club at all levels.”
“Being Ajax`s first non-Dutch coach since 1998 and the club`s first-ever Italian one have been an absolute privilege: together with my staff we embraced this huge challenge with respect, responsibility, passion and determination to succeed.”
“Earning the respect and support from Ajax fans we felt throughout the whole season meant a lot for myself and my staff.”
“We lived unbelievable and unforgettable moments all together: a unique, intense, emotional season in which we shared belief, fighting spirit and pride, finally achieving our goal, accomplishing our mission.”
Farioli explained his departure, stating: “The management and I have the same goals for the future of Ajax, but we have different visions and timeframes about the way we should work and operate to achieve those goals.”
“Given these differences in the principles and foundations of the project, I feel deep in my heart that this is the best moment to part ways.”
Ajax Technical Director Alex Kroes expressed his disappointment: “I find this incredibly disappointing. Francesco and his staff have been a great help to us.”
“It’s been an intense season filled with many memorable moments, and we achieved our goal: qualifying for next season’s Champions League.”
“Francesco also played a key role in enhancing the high-performance culture at Ajax, for which we are extremely grateful.”
Kroes acknowledged the challenges ahead: “This summer was already set to be a challenging transfer window, and it has now become even more so.”
“It is up to us to ensure that a strong new coaching team is in place when pre-season preparations begin on 26 June.”
Francesco Farioli`s Coaching Career Overview
- Fatih Karagumruk (March 2021 – December 2021) – P27 W11 D8 L8 (Win % 40.74)
- Alanyaspor (December 2021 – February 2023) – P48 W20 D12 L16 (Win % 41.67)
- Nice (June 2023 – May 2024) – P38 W17 D11 L10 (Win % 44.74)
- Ajax (May 2024 – May 2024) – P53 W34 D7 L12 (Win % 64.15)
- TOTAL – P166 W82 D38 L46 (Win % 49.40)
Farioli is now available, making him a potential candidate should Tottenham Hotspur seek a replacement for manager Ange Postecoglou.
Postecoglou`s future at Spurs is currently uncertain, with speculation linking him with a potential departure.
The Italian had already been mentioned as a possible successor in North London.
Reports suggest that the possible return of Fabio Paratici to the Tottenham boardroom could favour his fellow Italian, Farioli, who previously worked under Roberto De Zerbi.
After serving as an assistant to the former Brighton boss De Zerbi at Benevento and Sassuolo, Farioli, a former goalkeeper, began his senior managerial career in Turkey. He then moved to Nice, guiding them to Europa League qualification despite initially lacking the required Uefa Pro Licence coaching badge.
Among other names linked to the potential Tottenham vacancy are Oliver Glasner, Thomas Frank, Scott Parker, Mauricio Pochettino, and Xavi.
