Transfers
Theo Janssen slams Ajax's all‑Spanish staff as Cruijff pushes forward
Ajax announced Míchel as the new head coach on Tuesday. He will be supported by assistants Juanvi Peinado Fernández and Alberto Garrido Martínez, as well as goalkeeper coach Juan Carlos Balaguer Zamora.
The appointments complete a fully Spanish technical team, a fact that former Ajax midfielder Theo Janssen criticised today. Janssen told De Oranjezomer that the decision reflects the club’s recent shift toward Spanish leadership.
Earlier speculation suggested technical director Jordi Cruijff might add a former Ajax player to the coaching panel, but no such position materialised. The club confirmed that the staff will consist solely of the newly appointed Spaniards.
“Ik vind het helemaal niet goed, maar ik vind het niet vreemd. Je hebt uiteindelijk ook een Spaanse technisch directeur,” Janssen said. He made the comment in an interview with De Oranjezomer.
Janssen also noted that former Ajax alumni Denny Landzaat and Kiki Musampa have already left the organization. He added that Paul Nuijten, the youngster recently reinstated, has transferred to FC Dordrecht.
He acknowledged that Cruijff may prefer to operate in his own style, stating, “Je kunt het ook maar beter op je eigen manier doen. Het is niet heel vreemd dat hij dit doet.” Janssen warned that if the Spanish trio fails, the club could face another exodus.
The Spanish staff made their first appearance on the Ajax training ground on Friday, marking the start of preparations for the upcoming season. The Amsterdammers have begun their pre‑season work under Míchel’s guidance.
Ajax’s official channels now direct fans to the #DoneDeal feed for the latest updates on club policy. The feed also hints at possible moves involving Ferri and Ricardo Pepi.