Francesco Farioli quits Ajax: Who are the contenders to be the next manager?

Following the news that Francesco Farioli has left Ajax, we take a look at who might take charge at the Amsterdam club.

Farioli - who became Ajax's first-ever Italian manager when he was appointed manager in 2024 - informed the club of his decision after his side inexplicably missed out on the Eredivisie title.

Ajax held a nine-point cushion over PSV Eindhoven with just five games left in the season but handed the league to their rivals following a historic collapse.

The 36-time champions Dutch champions picked up just five points from a possible 15 to conclude the league campaign.

Victory over Twente was in vain as PSV only needed to match Ajax's result to capture the title.

Farioli was seen in tears on the pitch after the result and has since announced his departure.

Ajax next manager contenders

Erik ten Hag

Out of a job since his departure from Manchester United in November, Ten Hag could be in line for a return at his former club.

Ajax enjoyed major success under the 55-year-old, winning five trophies and reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in 2018-19.

In 2022, Ten Hag became the fastest manager in Ajax history to reach 100 league wins, achieving the feat in just 128 matches.

Recent reports have linked the Dutchman with the vacant job at Bayer Leverkusen but with no decision on who will take over from Xabi Alonso, the door is currently still open for a return to the Dutch capital.

Xavi

Through figures such as Rinus Michels, Johan Cruyff and then more recently Ronald Koeman, Barcelona and Ajax have, for a long time, shared similarities.

Xavi could be the next in line to manage both clubs.

The legendary Spanish midfielder was replaced by Hansi Flick at his boyhood club in 2024 after just under three years as boss.

In that time Barcelona won a La Liga title and lifted the Supercopa de Espana but missed out on any silverware in Europe.

Stylistically, Xavi's style of play would be in keeping with Ajax's footballing philosophy with a high pressure and high possession approach being preferred.

Pep Lijnders

Pep Lijnders has been linked to the Ajax job in the past when working as assistant manager to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

A move to the club would therefore see him reunite with former Reds skipper Jordan Henderson who currently dons the armband in Amsterdam.

Lijnders - considered one of the unsung heroes during a successful period at Anfield - does have experience in management, albeit limited.

2024 saw him take the reigns at Red Bull Salzburg but with his side 10-points off the pace in the Austrian Bundesliga, the two parties went their separate ways.