Míchel: “Being in the top flight is very difficult and very complicated.”
Ajax Amsterdam has long identified its top priority for next season’s bench: Míchel Sánchez. The Spanish coach leads the Dutch club’s list to kick off a new sporting project after another year marked by instability on and off the pitch. According to Dutch outlet *De Telegraaf* and confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, the Amsterdam side is “pushing hard” to secure his signing this summer.
In recent weeks, Arne Slot had emerged as a strong candidate for the Ajax bench. However, the latest reports suggest the Liverpool manager has no intention of leaving Anfield, and Ajax has now firmly placed Míchel as their number-one choice, ahead of two other names the club is considering.
The sporting directorate led by Jordi Cruyff believes that the Spanish coach’s profile perfectly matches Ajax’s historical identity and playing philosophy. Currently, Óscar García Junyent is in charge of the first team, having been promoted from Jong Ajax in March 2026 with the aim of salvaging the season. Under the Catalan, Ajax has rediscovered winning ways and, with two rounds left in the Eredivisie, remains in contention for European qualification next season.
Míchel has built his reputation as a coach during his tenure at Girona FC. He led the Catalan club to a historic Champions League qualification and established a recognizable style based on possession, attacking intensity, and tactical organization. His name has been linked to several clubs in recent months, including others within the City Group, such as Manchester City, in case of a hypothetical departure of Pep Guardiola. Nonetheless, Ajax appears to be the team currently in the pole position.
In Amsterdam, they believe Míchel’s arrival could signal a change of direction after a turbulent season marked by multiple managerial changes. Meanwhile, Girona is beginning to accept the possibility of losing their coach. Various reports indicate the Catalan club is already exploring alternatives in case of Míchel’s eventual and painful departure this summer.
The operation, still in its preliminary phase, could become one of the biggest coaching market moves in Europe.
