Marco van Basten and Rafael van der Vaart were recently seen on the popular Dutch TV-show, Rondo, criticising the current management of AFC Ajax. Van Basten was particularly disapproving of the management of the youth system at De Toekomst, as the Jong Ajax side are currently sitting bottom of the Eerste Divisie. When asked about Ajax, Marco van Basten said ‘It’s mismanagement, from top to bottom, it’s just poorly managed’. The former Ajax and Netherlands striker believes that drastic intervention within the organisational structure of the club is necessary in order for Ajax to be back where they belong.
Rafael van der Vaart was also quick to comment on the necessity for the personnel at Ajax to change. Van der Vaart believes ‘there are people at the helm at Ajax who are only concerned with themselves‘, calling the current state of affairs a ‘drama’. The former Ajax midfielder believes there needs to be a little more back-bone in the way in which Ajax operate, when reminiscing about being brought through the Ajax academy under Co Adriaanse, Van der Vaart said players ‘were afraid of that as a youth player’, and that it clearly lead to some successful seasons for the Amsterdamers.
The current criticism of Ajax comes as a result of their worst start in the Eredivisie since 1965, winning just once in their opening 7 games in the Eredivisie, coupled with the recent departure of manager Maurice Steijn after only 11 games in charge. It is unknown as to how Ajax will turn their fortunes around, however all eyes will be on the Amsterdamers to see the reaction the club takes as a result of their poor start to the season.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Max Mumford
