Explore the factors behind Ajax’s shocking decline in the Eredivisie 2024/25 season—from mismanagement and poor transfers to tactical collapse.
Ajax’s Downfall: What Went Wrong This Season?
A club of historic prestige and a reputation for producing world-class talent, AFC Ajax is synonymous with elegant football and dominance in the Eredivisie. But the 2024/25 season has painted a very different picture—one of chaos, underperformance, and a shocking fall from grace.
From being consistent Dutch champions and Champions League dark horses, Ajax have spiraled into one of their worst domestic seasons in modern history. For a team used to competing at the top, currently sitting mid-table—or worse—raises serious questions.
What caused Ajax’s collapse? In this article, we break down the key factors behind the downfall of one of the most iconic clubs in football. We examine poor recruitment, tactical confusion, loss of identity, and how this impacts the wider MYBET88 ecosystem.
1. Poor Recruitment and Squad Mismanagement
One of the most glaring reasons for Ajax’s decline lies in recruitment decisions. Over the last two years, the club has lost several key players, including:
- Jurrien Timber (Arsenal)
- Edson Álvarez (West Ham)
- Mohammed Kudus (West Ham)
- Lisandro Martínez and Antony (both to Manchester United)
While player sales are nothing new for Ajax, what’s changed is the lack of quality replacements. The players brought in have struggled to match the technical and tactical level of their predecessors.
Examples of Questionable Transfers:
- Overpaying for unproven talent from lesser leagues
- Ignoring Eredivisie-proven players
- Relying on loanees without long-term vision
Ajax’s once world-renowned recruitment strategy—built on balance between youth and experience—has faltered.
2. Lack of Identity and Tactical Cohesion
Under Erik ten Hag, Ajax had a clear playing philosophy: total football, high pressing, positional interchange, and quick vertical play. Since his departure, the club has cycled through multiple coaches without a consistent tactical identity.
Recent Managers and Instability:
- Alfred Schreuder (inconsistent tactics, poor results)
- John Heitinga (caretaker with limited experience)
- Maurice Steijn (hired and dismissed early in 2024/25)
- Interim appointments and confusion
Without a guiding philosophy, Ajax’s players look disconnected. Formations change frequently, pressing triggers are inconsistent, and defensive structure is poor.
3. Youth Development Under Pressure
Ajax’s legendary youth academy, De Toekomst, has produced world-class players like Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, and Donny van de Beek. But recent graduates have faced more pressure than ever to carry the first team too soon.
Problems with Current Youth Integration:
- Young players lack experienced mentors in the squad
- No stability in the first team to ease their transition
- Fans expecting instant impact from 18–19-year-olds
Instead of using youth as a supplement to a strong core, Ajax is relying on them as saviors, which is unsustainable.
4. Defensive Frailties
Ajax’s defensive record this season has been uncharacteristically poor. Once known for building from the back with technically sound defenders, the current squad lacks cohesion and discipline.
Defensive Issues:
- High number of individual errors
- Poor communication between center-backs and keeper
- Vulnerable to counters and set-pieces
With no clear defensive leader, and frequent changes in the backline, opponents find it easy to exploit Ajax—something unheard of a few years ago.
5. Fan Discontent and Off-Field Chaos
The frustration among fans has reached boiling point. From booing during home games to organized protests, the Ajax faithful are not used to mediocrity.
Internal Club Issues:
- Boardroom instability
- Questions over sporting director decisions
- Miscommunication between academy and first-team structure
Ajax’s strong culture is built on identity and pride. The current disconnect between fans, players, and management has only worsened on-pitch results.
6. Eredivisie Is Getting Stronger
While Ajax’s own decline is partly self-inflicted, the rise of rivals has also contributed. PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord, and AZ Alkmaar have all strengthened with consistent recruitment, tactical clarity, and better youth integration.
What This Means:
- Ajax no longer has a margin for error
- Other teams are more tactically disciplined
- The league as a whole is more balanced and competitive
This season is not just about Ajax falling—it’s about others rising.
7. Financial Missteps and European Failure
Ajax failed to qualify for the Champions League, a massive blow both financially and symbolically. Without European football or TV money, the club now faces a financial gap that could affect future investments.
Consequences:
- Less attractive for high-level signings
- Pressure to sell young players earlier
- Risk of long-term slide if results don’t improve
With UEFA coefficient points at risk, Ajax’s poor European showings also hurt the Eredivisie’s standing in European rankings.
What Needs to Change?
To restore their place at the top, Ajax must address core structural issues:
- Hire a manager with tactical clarity and long-term backing
- Revamp scouting and focus on smart recruitment
- Rebalance youth promotion with experienced leadership
- Reinforce club identity on and off the pitch
- Communicate transparently with fans and rebuild trust
Final Thoughts: A Warning and an Opportunity
Ajax’s 2024/25 season should serve as a warning to clubs that rely too heavily on reputation and tradition. Even the most historic clubs must adapt, modernize, and maintain alignment between management, coaching, and squad building.
That said, Ajax still has the tools to recover:
- A world-class academy
- A global fan base
- A recognizable brand in European football
The key is to act decisively—and return to the principles that once made them leaders in the league and beyond.
Support the League’s Legacy Clubs
Ajax’s fall reminds us that greatness must be maintained, not assumed. As fans of the beautiful game, let’s not just watch the giants fall—let’s support them as they rise again.
Support the league. Support the history and future of football.
