Jordi Cruyff’s Pragmatic Shift at Ajax: A New Era for Dutch Football?
A fascinating shift is underway at AFC Ajax, with new Director of Football Jordi Cruyff signaling a departure from the traditionally romantic, attack-focused philosophy historically associated with the Cruyff family. According to Pieter Zwart, head editor of Voetbal International, Cruyff appears to prioritize results above all else, a pragmatic approach that’s already causing ripples within the club.
Beyond “Total Football”: A Focus on the Unseen Function
Zwart notes that Cruyff’s emphasis on what players do without the ball is particularly striking. “Bij Cruijff is de associatie altijd aanvallend voetbal en het publiek vermaken, maar juist daar legde hij bepaalde accenten,” Zwart observed. This focus extends to a demand for a stronger “winnaarsmentaliteit” and a clear dissatisfaction with a perceived “vrijblijvendheid” – a lack of commitment – within Ajax’s youth system, Jong Ajax.
This sentiment echoes concerns previously voiced by former Ajax coach Maurice Farioli, who questioned the resilience of young players when not in possession. Farioli reportedly found some youth players “lichtgewichten” – lightweight – lacking the grit needed to compete when not dominating the ball.
A Realistic Assessment of Player Qualities
Cruyff’s approach represents a significant change in perspective. He’s not solely focused on technical brilliance but as well on the less glamorous aspects of the game: defensive work rate, tactical discipline, and mental fortitude. What we have is a departure from the traditional emphasis on artistry and entertainment that has long defined Ajax’s identity.
The upcoming match against Cambuur will be a crucial test. Zwart wonders if Cruyff’s emphasis on effort will translate into visible intensity on the pitch. “Je merkt dat Cruijff daar nu heel erg op gaat zitten, terwijl dat niet is wat je klassiek zou associëren met: er staat een Cruijff aan het roer bij Ajax.”
The Importance of the Next Managerial Appointment
Cruyff’s most pressing task is selecting a new head coach. The previous appointment, Maurice Steijn, was deemed a failure, largely due to a disconnect with the club’s technical director, Mislintat. Zwart highlights the importance of alignment between the manager and the Director of Football, emphasizing that a lack of shared vision can be catastrophic.
The dismissal of Beuker and Kroes was directly linked to the Heitinga appointment, demonstrating the high stakes involved in these decisions. Cruyff understands that securing a high-quality manager is “allesbepalend” – everything determining – for Ajax’s future success.
Contradiction or Evolution? The Cruyff Legacy
Zwart acknowledges a potential contradiction between Cruyff’s pragmatic approach and the legacy of his father, Johan Cruyff, a pioneer of “Total Football.” Yet, he also suggests that Jordi Cruyff, like his father, is an independent thinker. “Het geeft heel erg aan dat hij realistisch naar het voetbalspel kijkt,” Zwart concludes. “Het gaat hem echt om winnen en dat is best wel een contradictie met de associatie die mensen hebben met Cruijff.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Jordi Cruyff abandoning the Cruyff family’s football philosophy? Not necessarily. He appears to be adding a layer of pragmatism and a focus on defensive work ethic to the traditional emphasis on attacking football.
- What was Maurice Farioli’s main concern with the Ajax youth players? Farioli felt some youth players lacked the resilience and work rate needed when not in possession of the ball.
- Why is the appointment of the new Ajax manager so critical? The previous managerial appointment, Maurice Steijn, failed due to a lack of alignment with the technical director, highlighting the importance of a shared vision.
Pro Tip: Successful football clubs consistently adapt their strategies based on player strengths and league demands. Cruyff’s shift reflects a growing trend towards a more holistic and results-oriented approach.
What are your thoughts on Jordi Cruyff’s approach? Share your opinions in the comments below!
