Wessel Antes
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Ajax is looking for a suitable trainer to start the 2024/25 season. Englishman Graham Potter (48) currently seems to be in pole position for the open vacancy in Amsterdam, but his compatriot Chuba Akpom would have preferred to see another trainer in the Johan Cruijff ArenA: Xabi Alonso.
This is what the 28-year-old striker said in conversation with supporters magazine Ajax Life. Akpom initially only outlined the profile of his ideal trainer for Ajax. “I would like to see a young trainer with fresh ideas.”
“A trainer who wants the ball, who understands the values of Ajax and has a clear structure and philosophy,” says Akpom, who, upon insistence, gives a name. “Xabi Alonso would be perfect, but he doesn't seem feasible to me.”
The 42-year-old Xabi Alonso won the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen this season, while that Workself also has a chance of winning the DFB-Pokal and Europa League. Despite interest from Bayern Munich and Liverpool, he recently decided to stay on as coach of Bayer Leverkusen.
This makes him indeed unattainable for Ajax, according to that ESPN is busy with Potter. That reporting was confirmed on Tuesday evening Football International and various English media.
Potter has rejected Ajax's first salary proposal, journalist Johan Inan reported Algemeen Dagblad Thursday afternoon. Yet it seems that the Amsterdam team will make him a new offer, especially now that Alex Kroes returns to the position of technical director. Kroes and Potter have known each other for a long time and maintain a good relationship.
If things come to an end with Potter, the Englishman may have to deal with his compatriot Akpom in Amsterdam, who is still in the Johan Cruijff ArenA until mid-2028. Despite a difficult debut season, the physically strong attack leader says he is happy at Ajax. “Everyone in the world knows Ajax and knows what it stands for. To be part of that is great. Even now that things are not going so well.” Midfielder Jordan Henderson, like Akpom and Potter, have English nationality, as do youth goalkeepers Charlie and Tommy Setford.
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