Title: Ajax Struggles Continue: Can the Dutch Giants Avoid Relegation?
Subtitle: A closer look at Ajax’s current predicament and prospects for survival
Introduction: The 2023/24 major European league campaigns have seen several renowned clubs battling at the wrong end of their respective tables. From Lyon to Schalke, the struggles of these well-known clubs have raised eyebrows. In this article, we analyze the current plight of Ajax, one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs, and explore the possibility of them facing relegation this season.
Section 1: What has happened at Ajax?
Ajax, with just one win from their opening seven Eredivisie matches, find themselves second from bottom in the league standings. This is an unfamiliar position for the Amsterdam club, who reached the Champions League semifinals just four years ago. Their current league start is their worst since the 1964/65 season when they narrowly avoided relegation by a mere three points.
The decline of Ajax can be traced back to the departure of former manager Erik ten Hag, who left for Manchester United in April 2022. The club seemed ill-prepared for the transition, especially after the resignation of Director of Football Marc Overmars. The loss of their sensational scouting system, which had been instrumental in their success, further destabilized the club. Ajax’s failure to maintain their top-two finish last season was a clear indicator of their declining performance.
The lack of effective player replacements in recent seasons has also taken a toll on the club. Key departures such as Andre Onana, Antony, and Lisandro Martinez have not been adequately replaced, leaving significant gaps in the squad. Moreover, the departure of former club captain Dusan Tadic and the subsequent exit of director Sven Mislintat have added to the club’s woes.
Manager Maurice Steijn’s departure, after just four months in charge, further compounded Ajax’s poor start to the season. With only two wins in eleven games under his guidance, the team struggled to find stability.
Section 2: Will Ajax be relegated this season?
Despite their recent recruitment shortcomings and the lack of experience in the current squad, it is highly unlikely that Ajax will be relegated this season. In the Eredivisie, Ajax still possesses one of the stronger squads and can rely on their renowned youth academy to bolster their starting XI.
However, the key to reversing their situation lies in appointing the right manager and granting them sufficient time to rebuild the team. Several names, such as John van ‘t Schip, Mitchell van der Gaag, and Louis van Gaal, have been linked with the managerial position. Alternatively, if the Ajax board takes a different approach, managers like Ralph Hassenhuttl or Graham Potter, known for their ability to develop teams from scratch, could be exciting options.
Conclusion: Although Ajax finds themselves in an unexpected position this season, relegation seems unlikely given their resources and history. With the right managerial appointment and patience, Ajax has the potential to turn their fortunes around and climb up the Eredivisie table. The coming months will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of this iconic Dutch club.
(Note: The current Eredivisie table is attached for reference.)
[Insert Eredivisie Table Image]
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