Alfred Schreuder, the former head coach of Ajax, recently opened up about his challenging time at the prestigious Dutch football club and the significant health challenges he faced afterwards. Speaking candidly to The Telegraaf, Schreuder reflected on the difficulties he encountered during his tenure, believing he stepped onto the pitch at Ajax at a particularly turbulent time.
"If Ajax calls, every Dutch coach says 'yes' in my view," Schreuder stated, emphasizing the allure of the role. Yet, he acknowledged the unanticipated chaos he would soon face. Entering his position following his apprenticeship under Erik ten Hag, he anticipated success but quickly found the waters increasingly choppy.
During his appointment, which began in the summer of 2022, Schreuder dealt with several high-profile player departures. Players like André Onana, Sébastien Haller, Ryan Gravenberch, and Noussair Mazraoui were part of verbal agreements he had, yet the reality proved bleak as Ajax also saw labels like Lisandro Martínez and Antony sold to clubs like Manchester United. "I was too naïve; I should have had written agreements," he lamented. This lack of documentation left him exposed to the club's shifting dynamics.
Ajax's roster was fundamentally altered, resulting in losses totaling €165 million, and the team struggled to fill the voids left by these key departures. After starting off strongly with six wins, the team's performance dwindled, leaving them with only three victories from the subsequent twelve matches. Schreuder remarked, "You can't sell eight key players for €250 million without feeling the consequences. The replacements were inexperienced, and it showed." Such challenges not only hampered the team's success but also weighed heavily on his mental well-being.
Schreuder's difficulties were compounded by interpersonal tensions, particularly concerning the handling of Daley Blind. The coach reflected on how some situations escalated beyond his control. "Things happened which I felt really couldn't happen," he said. His regret was palpable as he admitted, "I seek the fault within myself, not him. I should have handled it differently.”
Beyond the struggles on the field, Schreuder faced grave health issues after his departure from Ajax. He disclosed to The Telegraaf his battle with chronic stress, which led to him suffering from TIA—a warning sign of potential strokes. "Chronic stress is deadly for the heart," he revealed, linking it closely to the emotional toll from personal tragedies he endured, including the death of his daughter, Anouk.
Schreuder described the moment he was told about his TIA during what should have been routine health assessments post-Ajax. "During lunch with my cousins, they recommended I get scanned for peace of mind. They found I had this TIA, and it was nearly fatal." After undergoing surgery to address heart rhythm issues, he reflected on how close he came to serious harm due to unmanaged stress. "Doctors told me I was fortunate, especially considering my high-pressure role and unstable personal life, yet it was weighty to carry," he remarked.
Through the ordeal, Schreuder demonstrated resilience, mentioning how important it was for him to prioritize family after such traumatic years. "Have I neglected my children? I didn't realize it then, but they expressed how much they missed me, especially during the divorce," he noted, expressing remorse yet also determination to do right by them as he focuses on family moving forward.
Today, Schreuder seems to have found some clarity and balance. Transitioning from the shadows of Ajax and burdens of personal loss, he has emerged with newfound strength. While he continues his coaching career, currently at Al Nasr, he has learned valuable lessons about mental wellness, resilience, and the importance of family support. He now navigates life with renewed hope, emphasizing the blessings he has and the enduring scars of his past, reflecting the sentiment: "I’ve been lucky to come through this near-fatal experience."
