Ajax Eyes Girona's Manager Míchel
Amsterdam's Ajax is considering an approach for Girona's Spanish head coach, Míchel. This move is reportedly being driven by the club's new sporting director, Jordi Cruyff. A significant factor in this potential appointment is Míchel's well-known affinity for Ukrainian footballers, which could align with Ajax's own recent interests. Currently, several Ukrainian players feature in Girona's squad, including:
- Goalkeeper Vladyslav Krapyvtsov
- Winger Viktor Tsyhankov
- Striker Vladyslav Vanat
It is also worth noting that Artem Dovbyk won the Pichichi Trophy while playing for Girona under Míchel.
Míchel's Coaching Profile
Ajax, currently sitting fourth in the Eredivisie, has already been eliminated from the KNVB Cup and the Europa Conference League. The club's winter signing of Ukrainian international Oleksandr Zinchenko signals a clear interest in developing talent from that nation. Míchel, a Madrid native, is a legend and youth product of Rayo Vallecano. He began his coaching career there in 2012, taking over the first team in February 2017. With Rayo, he won the Segunda División in the 2017/18 season. He then moved to Huesca, where he also secured promotion by winning the Segunda at the first attempt. Before the 2021/22 season, Míchel took charge of Girona, leading them to La Liga promotion in his first year. In his third season, he guided the club to a remarkable third-place finish, securing Champions League qualification. In the Champions League group stage this season, Girona managed one win from eight matches.
Ajax's own trophy cabinet is formidable. The Dutch giants hold the record for Eredivisie titles and KNVB Cups, having been crowned champions of the Netherlands 36 times and winning the domestic cup on 20 occasions, in addition to nine Dutch Super Cups. Their European honors are equally impressive, with four European Cups/UEFA Champions Leagues, a UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, a UEFA Cup, two UEFA Super Cups, and two Intercontinental Cups.
Pursuing Míchel indicates Ajax's intent to revitalize the squad, leveraging his proven track record of success and his favorable view of Ukrainian talent.
Given Ajax's apparent focus on Ukrainian players, this potential managerial change could be a strategic masterstroke. A coach with Míchel's recent achievements could provide the fresh impetus and tactical ideas needed for Ajax to strengthen its domestic standing and re-establish itself as a force in European competition.