Ajax appoints Michel as new manager after a disappointing season: reports say

Spaniard Michel will become coach of Ajax Amsterdam when he signs a two-year contract later this week, Dutch media reported on Tuesday.

The 50-year-old moves to Girona, who he led to Champions League qualification in 2024 but could not save from relegation in La Liga this season.

The signing of Michel, whose full name is Miguel Angel Sanchez ⁠Munoz, had been predicted after Ajax’s new technical director Jordi Cruyff said he preferred a Spanish coach ‌and identified the Girona manager as his top candidate.

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Last month, Ajax finished fifth in the Dutch league and secured a place in the Conference League via the play-offs after a disappointing season.

As a result, the club will start its European campaign in the second qualifying round on July 23, with pre-season preparations starting on June 22.

Michel, whose appointment has not yet been officially confirmed, will take over from compatriot Oscar Garcia, who was interim coach of Ajax in the final phase of the season.

The club started the last campaign under the management of John Heitinga, but after he was sacked Fred Grim stepped in as interim manager before he too was ousted.

Published on June 2, 2026