Ajax announced the search for a new technical director and coach in Amsterdã, this Friday, December 6, 2025, aiming for an immediate reformulation of the squad. The club occupies fifth place in the Eredivisie with 23 points, 14 behind the leader PSV and nine behind the Feyenoord, which compromises the place in the preliminary phase of the Liga of the Campeões. The decision arises from player skill analysis, which reveals discrepancies in several positions, according to recent data from sports evaluations.
The measure comes amid a recent decline, with the team depending on below-average athletes to maintain competitiveness. The new management intends to raise the general standard, prioritizing signings that meet the Dutch club’s history of excellence.
- Current position: 5th place, 23 points in 14 rounds.
- Distance to leaders: 14 points from PSV, 9 from Feyenoord.
- Season goal: Terceiro place for European qualification.
This reformulation represents an effort to regain the protagonism lost in recent campaigns.
Analysis reveals flaws in goalkeepers
The skills assessment points to goalkeepers as the initial point of concern in Ajax. Vitezslav Jaros has a rating of 51.9, lower than the club’s average of 53.3, which affects defensive stability in decisive games. Remko Pasveer, in turn, reaches exactly the average, but without standing out in recent matches.
These numbers derive from metrics that consider reflexes, positioning and ball distribution, essential for an elite team.
Defense problems require urgent adjustments
The Ajax defense averages 62.1 in skills, but several starters fall short. Anton Gaaei scores 61.2, while Lucas Rosa comes in at 57.1, despite regular first-team appearances. Josip Sutalo, at 59.8, also does not meet the standard, although Owen Wijndal slightly exceeds it at 62.2.
These deficiencies manifest themselves in positional errors observed in the last five rounds of Eredivisie.
Factors such as fatigue and lack of depth on the bench worsen the situation, forcing the constant use of limited options.
Below-average midfield exposes vulnerabilities
In midfield, the average of 61.4 is not reached by names like Branco van den Boomen, with 60.7. Youri Regeer is 60.5, Kian Fitz-Jim is 57.3, and James McConnell is 53.1, which compromises the transition between defense and attack. Esses players accumulate high minutes without proportional contribution to decisive passes or ball recoveries.
Reliance on similar profiles reduces tactical versatility, especially against more physical teams.
Comparisons with rivals show that Ajax loses in average intensity per duel, with ineffective possession statistics in 22% of cases.
Attack needs reinforcements to increase potential
The average rating on offense is 62.4, leaving Kasper Dolberg at 61.5 and Oliver Edvardsen at 60.5. Steven Berghuis marks 61.9, Mika Godts 61.8, and Raúl Moro 59.3, indicating the need for exits to free up space. Apesar of this, the potential of Godts, projected at 76.2, suggests permanence for future development.
These values are based on expected goals and assists, where the group fails to convert chances created.
The analysis department recommends focusing on attackers with greater shooting efficiency, in line with Ajax’s fast style of play.
Strategies for new leadership
The arrival of the new director and coach should prioritize individual assessments in the next training sessions. The current squad, with 28 active players, faces pressure for immediate results in the league and in the Liga of the Campeões. Contratações specific events will occur in the January 2026 window, aiming for financial and sporting balance.
The reformulation includes integration of youth from the base, with at least three promoted for testing in preparatory friendlies. The transfer budget estimates 15 million euros, distributed in critical positions.
Current ranking details and projections
Ajax has 23 points in 14 games, with seven wins, two draws and five defeats in Eredivisie. Na Liga of the Campeões, the team accumulates two points in three matches, occupying the last place in the group. Projeções indicate a risk of early elimination if there are no defensive improvements.
These numbers reflect an irregular start, with just 1.6 goals per game on average.
The board monitors the impact of the redesign on weekly metrics, adjusting as necessary.
Players at risk of leaving
Several athletes face uncertainty with the reformulation. Goleiros and Jaros can be borrowed to gain experience. Defensores like Rosa and Sutalo attract interest from smaller Bundesliga clubs. In the middle, Fitz-Jim and McConnell seek minutes in the Dutch lower divisions.
Attackers like Dolberg and Berghuis negotiate renewals conditional on performance.
- Candidates for permanence: Wijndal and Godts, by potential.
- Sales priorities: Jogadores with ETV below 5 million euros.
- Focus on arrivals: Reforços versatile midfield players.
Context of the crisis and internal responses
The board met on Thursday, December 5, to discuss the skills report. The decline, attributed to poorly evaluated signings in the last two seasons, requires a 12% cut in salary costs. Treinadores interims maintain routines, but with an emphasis on defensive drills.
Fans react with online campaigns for transparency, with more than 5,000 signatures on a recent petition.
Preparation for decisive games
The next match takes place on Sunday, December 8th against Groningen at 13:30 CET. Victory is essential to reduce the gap to third place. Paralelamente, the under-21 base wins local tournaments, providing a pipeline for the main team.
These elements support the planned transition.