Within Ajax it was with disappointment that the decision of general director Edwin van der Sar to step down has been taken note of. Pier Eringa, the chairman of the supervisory board, gave a brief update on the hunt for his replacement. He’s looking for someone with experience with Ajax.
Regarding the hunt for a new general director, Ajax has a crucial wish.
Since 2012, Van der Sar has been on the Ajax board of directors. He began as the director of marketing before rising to the position of general manager. Eringa admits that his choice was regrettable: “We wanted Edwin to stay, but his decision was made, and we have to respect that.”
“Van der Sar therefore resigns as general director of Ajax, but will continue to be involved with the club for the time being,” he continued. The present management will take on his responsibilities. Up to August, Edwin will still be accessible for advise and transfers. After August 1st, we anticipate being ready to disclose the new management composition. Our goal is to promote someone with experience in Ajax.
Eringa is dissatisfied that Van der Sar is not receiving the appropriate goodbye. The Amsterdam squad came in third place but was disqualified from receiving any awards. “Last season is not indicative of the entire period of Ajax under his leadership,” he declared in his conclusion. “The club has achieved great success, expanded greatly, and elevated its reputation internationally.”
Ajax must hope for Mourinho’s success
Ajax supporters better cheer for José Mourinho’s AS Roma on Wednesday evening. If the Italians win the Europa League final against Sevilla, there is a good chance that Ajax will enter the group stage of the Europa League and no preliminary rounds will be played.
The winner of the Europa League automatically qualifies for the group stage of the Champions League. If Roma, in addition to winning the Europa League, finish fifth or sixth in Serie A, places that entitle it to the second European tournament, the Europa League ticket will go to the next country on the coefficient list. That would be Ajax, because number two PSV, which also won the cup, will already play the preliminary round of the Champions League. In summary: if Roma win the Europa League and finish fifth or sixth in the competition, Ajax does not have to play preliminary rounds. Ajax’s play-off ticket does not move to number four AZ, incidentally.
Mourinho, who has never lost a European final, can win his sixth European prize on Wednesday evening. He is the only coach to date who has won the Champions League, the Europa League and the Conference League. On the other hand, Sevilla won the UEFA Cup/Europa League six times. And the club from Andalusia is the record holder.
