Farioli leaves Ajax

Francesco Farioli has officially departed Ajax Amsterdam following a dramatic end to the 2024–25 Eredivisie season. Despite leading the league by nine points in mid-April, Ajax experienced a late-season collapse, ultimately finishing one point behind PSV Eindhoven, who secured the title with a 3-1 victory over Sparta Rotterdam on the final day. Ajax’s 2-0 win against FC Twente was insufficient to reclaim the top spot .

Farioli, who joined Ajax from Ligue 1 side Nice in May 2024, was the club’s first Italian and first non-Dutch manager since 1998. He had signed a contract set to run until 2027 but chose to leave after just one season. In his statement, Farioli cited differing visions and timelines with the club’s management regarding Ajax’s future direction as the reason for his exit. He emphasized that, despite aligning on overall goals, the variances in approach led him to believe it was the right time to part ways .

During his tenure, Farioli revitalized Ajax after a disappointing fifth-place finish in the previous season, bringing them back into the Champions League and achieving a 64.15% win ratio—the highest of his managerial career . However, tensions reportedly arose over recruitment strategies and contract renewals, contributing to his decision to step down .

Following his departure, Farioli has been linked with managerial vacancies, including at AS Roma and Tottenham Hotspur. At Spurs, current manager Ange Postecoglou faces uncertainty despite leading the team to the Europa League final, with Farioli emerging as a potential replacement .

Ajax’s technical director, Alex Kroes, expressed disappointment at Farioli’s decision, acknowledging the emotional and professional impact of his departure . The club now faces the challenge of finding a successor to build upon the foundation laid during Farioli’s brief but impactful tenure