Van Basten wants to bring Ajax back to the top

Last week Ajax’ future manager Marco van Basten and his staff were presented to the public

He is going to do all he can to make Ajax the best club of the country again, he said.

The obvious critical question was asked: isn’t he too inexperienced as a club coach to achieve this?” The answer was impressive :-).

Van Basten: “Who were the most successful coaches of Ajax in the past? Michels, Cruyff and Van Gaal. Michels came from the amateurs (Jos Watergraafsmeer), Cruyff coached immediately after his playing career and wasn’t even qualified to coach and Van Gaal was the assistant coach when Beenhakker left.” Marco conveniently forgot to mention Stefan Kovacs of course, who won two EC cups in a row with Ajax.

Van Basten has promises from the board that he can spend some money on new signings. “But apart from that, I also want to keep Huntelaar and Davids for Ajax. Edgar played a wonderful second season half last year and in that form he is great to have in the team.” He didn’t mention that Edgar could even reach to the Dutch National Team :-).

Adrie Koster has decided not to go to PSV as assistant coach for Huub Stevens. Koster will remain in Amsterdam and resume his Ajax 2 duties. Former Excelsior goalie Carlo L’Ami will remain as the keeper trainer. It is as yet unclear what will happen with current assistant coaches Alfons Groenendijk and Hennie Spijkerman.