Dutch giants Ajax ‘would like to have’ Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto de Zerbi now, but there is an acceptance that he’s probably outgrown the club.
That’s according to Het Parool, relayed by Voetbal 4 U, who say the Italian in the type of trainer that they would want moving forwards.
The website covers the recent episode of the AD Voetbalpodcast and how those in charge at Ajax can no longer afford to make any mistakes when it comes to managers after the failures of Alfred Schreuder and Maurice Steijn.
The new general manager at the club, Alex Kroes, must ‘absolutely not fail’ in the appointment of a new coach with journalist Sjoerd Mossou explaining the current thinking at the club.
“What you hear from the people who should know: there are two options,” he said.
“Or he (Kroes) brings in a top candidate from abroad, of which he is firmly convinced. The category Míchel (Girona manager), which is probably no longer feasible, but such a type of trainer.
“Or Ajax says that the ideal candidate is not there and then the safest option is to continue with John van ‘t Schip.”
That’s where Het Parool come into the mix, as they explain that Ajax had been previously linked to Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto de Zerbi.
According to them he is ‘a type of trainer that Ajax would like to have now’ considering him a suitable long-term style manager in the mould of Erik ten Hag.
Their efforts to replace the now Manchester United manager haven’t worked out as hoped but it seems the Brighton man is seen as someone who can build for the long-term, as he’s doing with the Seagulls.
However, the newspaper does argue that he has ‘probably already outgrown Ajax at this point’ given his success in the Premier League so far.
That potentially puts the nail in this particular coffin for now, but it may be something to keep an eye on as Ajax continue to look for a new manager.
