Ajax Amsterdam is firmly back on the football map as they navigate their 2025 Europa League campaign under the fresh guidance of Francesco Farioli. Having taken the reins from the club's disappointing previous season, Farioli's leadership appears to be reinstilling confidence and ambition within the storied club.
After enduring a gradual decline following their narrow loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the 2019 Champions League semi-finals, Ajax faced significant turbulence. Despite managing to claim the Eredivisie title twice between 2021 and 2022, their performances faltered, reaching rock bottom when they finished third behind Feyenoord last season. The struggle was palpable as they teetered during the first half of the season, fighting to avoid relegation before salvaging their campaign with a fifth-place finish and 35 points, all the more startling as PSV Eindhoven claimed the championship during this tumultuous period.
This summer, Ajax looked to reshape their strategy, bringing on board the 35-year-old Italian Farioli, who had previously led OGC Nice. His time at Nice was characterized as mixed but positive enough to convince Ajax's management of his potential. Farioli instantly focused on installing the traditional flair associated with Ajax football, often described as the "Godenzonen" style, emphasizing youth development and attacking prowess.
Under Farioli's guidance, Ajax has regained their competitive edge, recently topping the Eredivisie standings. "We want to complete two books – Eredivisie and Europa League," he remarked, illustrating the dual focus of his ambitions. With Ajax holding onto their 2-0 advantage from the first leg against Union Saint-Gilloise, Farioli motivates his players by stressing the importance of consistency and perseverance. "We keep repeating [that we must never think we have already achieved something]," he said, highlighting the need for concentration and work on the pitch.
Farioli also addressed team dynamics, expressing confidence in the depth available to him, especially when faced with injuries and illnesses affecting regular starters. Specifically, he noted two key players, Youri Baas and Kenneth Taylor, were unavailable due to sickness. Encouragingly, he acknowledged the good performances from substitutes stepping up during these challenges, stating, "the players who came in put in a good performance." Such remarks underline his management style by praising his squad's resilience and adaptability.
This tactful approach has not only facilitated Ajax's resurgence but has also ignited hope among fans who are eager to see their team rise once again, not just domestically but on the European front as well. Ajax has faced challenges throughout the season, yet under Farioli, the squad seems more aligned with the goals projected and the talent nurtured.
Comparatively, Ajax's recent years have seen notable highs and considerable lows, but with stability re-emerging under their new manager, Farioli's poetic vision of completing the two parallel narratives of the Eredivisie and Europa League feels imminently feasible. The upcoming matches herald two significant narratives for Ajax, symbolizing not just their position but the exertions of management and player efforts alike.
With the club's intent firmly positioned on achieving excellence, fans pin their hopes on Ajax to leave behind their troubled past and transform it with ambitious victories. The question remains: Can the Amsterdammers fulfill the dual aspirations laid out by their manager and rise to championship glory, both at home and abroad?