Ajax Amsterdam are about to win their league title—their 37th one in the Netherlands. This accomplishment is even more impressive considering they’ve battled through two incredibly tough years. As of today, they are on top by nine points over second-placed PSV Eindhoven with just five rounds left in the Eredivisie season. The team has responded resoundingly through a stretch of some of their best ball this season. What followed was a run of 13 wins from their last 14 league fixtures, turning the title race on its head in their favor.
Ajax will be crowned champions as soon as the 27th of April. They’ll square off against 2nd place Sparta Rotterdam in a pivotal, title-deciding matchup. Ajax need to beat fourth-placed Utrecht on Sunday to guarantee the title. They require several positive results in other games to secure their win, depending on how many other teams advance.
A Season of Transformation
In a dramatic turnaround from the previous season, Ajax Amsterdam has undergone significant changes under the guidance of new coach Francesco Farioli. His appointment was a gamble at first, but within this short time he’s wasted no time making waves. Positive signs for TFC include the clear evidence of improved fitness levels and a tightened defense, with 39 players used over the course of the campaign.
Farioli’s leadership has drawn praise, especially following his team’s ability to defeat key rivals like Feyenoord and PSV twice. John Van ‘t Schip remarked, “It’s just great what Farioli has done. If you can beat Feyenoord and PSV twice, then, in my eyes, you are the deserved champion.”
Even with these successes though, it’s hard to ignore the criticism over the apparent abandonment of Ajax’s traditional ‘Total Football’ philosophy. Supporters have taken issue with this move away from style, as this new direction is a radical departure from the club’s illustrious history. Regardless, the results say a lot about how well Farioli’s rebuild is working and what impact it’s had so far.
Overcoming Adversity
Ajax’s road back to glory has been far from smooth. Less than a year after capturing their first-ever league title in 2022, the club found themselves embroiled in historic chaos. Ten Hag’s departure to Manchester United sent the club into a fire sale of virtually all remaining key figures. This drastic turn played a big part in an embarrassing record seven-match winless streak that ultimately cost coach Alfred Schreuder his job.
Despite all the misfortune, Ajax finished a disappointing third place for the 2022-2023 campaign. They went on to win the Dutch Cup! Their phenomenal success has qualified them for the Champions League’s preliminary round. Here’s some exciting news from Soccer for All, a significant step in the club’s future score.
Farioli reflected on the significance of recent victories: “It was a very important victory. With it, we’ve at least secured a top-three finish. That means we’ve qualified for the preliminary round of the Champions League, which is crucial for the club.”
The Path to the Title
With Ajax now in the thick of the title race, they are certainly riding their momentum and looking toward an end-of-season push. With five matches left to play, Farioli emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum: “We have five finals left to play.” Whether winning the championship or guaranteeing their place in continental competitions, every match has equal weight.
Ajax’s high morale and Farioli’s tactical wizardry have the team playing with confidence as they head into these last few matches. The prospect of lifting the Eredivisie trophy once again ignites hope among fans who have long awaited a return to their club’s former glory.
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