Ajax endured a very disappointing 2025/26 season. The Amsterdammers finished fifth in the Eredivisie, 28 points behind league winners PSV Eindhoven. They were also eliminated from the Champions League in the league phase, managing just six points from eight games.

Ajax lacked stability throughout the season and had three different head coaches. First was John Heitinga, who was sacked in November. Fred Grim then took over but was relieved of his duties in March, and he was replaced by Oscar Garcia. The Spaniard was promoted from head coach of Jong Ajax and was tasked with leading Ajax until the end of the season.

Following the conclusion of the season, Ajax decided to appoint Michel Sanchez as the club's new head coach, despite the fact that he was relegated with Girona to La Liga 2 last season.

Under Michel's leadership, Ajax have made a very strong start to the season. Ajax currently sit third in the Eredivisie, just one point behind league leaders PSV Eindhoven and have earned six points from a possible nine in the UEFA Conference League.

Speaking at Ajax's general meeting of shareholders, technical director Jordi Cruijff explained one of the key reasons behind deciding to appoint Michel as the head coach of Ajax.

"He worked at the City Group for four to five years," Cruijff said, speaking about Michel.

"They stand for a certain style of football there. It is important that someone came who is used to that style of play."

Cruijff also spoke about Michel's personality and the passion he shows.

"Some people find it too much, but that is the experience of Spanish football. All leagues are full of successful Spaniards. It was also important to bring in a coach with new energy, so that the players would start from scratch."

With Michel at the helm, Ajax have a very good chance of winning the Eredivisie title, whether that be this season or next season.

Out of possession, there are several aspects of Ajax's style of play that need to improve, especially the high press.

Ajax have only conceded 15 goals in the league this season, but there are also vulnerabilities in their defensive structure. They have conceded an xGA (expected goals against) of 19,0, and four teams, including Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven, who are the two teams above them in the table, have conceded less xGA. 

The fact Ajax have conceded fewer goals than they have expected goals against is, in big part, down to the form of Marc ter Stegen. The German goalkeeper, on loan from Barcelona, has produced a few brilliant performances.

While Ajax have issues out of possession, they have displayed several very positive signs in possession. In many games this season, they have controlled the games well and dominated possession. Only Peter Bosz's PSV Eindhoven averages more possession per game in the Eredivisie than Ajax this season.

They have also created a high volume of chances in several games and played attacking football. Only PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord have scored more than Ajax's 32 goals in the Eredivisie this season.