Alex Kroes, the technical director of Ajax, remains cautious about labeling the amsterdam club as an outright title contender this season. Despite sitting second in the Eredivisie,just four points behind league leaders PSV,Kroes emphasizes that the primary goal remains securing Champions League qualification. behind the scenes, Ajax is also nurturing young talents like Sean Steur, who has been making waves at Sportpark de Toekomst.
“It’s a very thin line. Let us also be very realistic,” Kroes remarked when asked about Ajax’s title chances. “We are on an upward trajectory, not just in terms of points but also in the stability we’ve built. Our objective is clear: to maximize our potential. However, I won’t speculate on title odds.The ambition is to qualify for the Champions League.”
kroes provided a candid assessment of Ajax’s progress, acknowledging the challenges the club has faced. “In all reality, if we finish third or second this year, we will have done a great job,” he said. “In June 2024, we were thirty points behind Feyenoord and PSV. They entered the Champions League, sold players, and reinvested, while we lacked the funds for significant investments. We sold sixty million euros worth of players and spent only 3.5 million.Despite that, we’ve made real strides. We’re close, but there’s still work to be done.”
The technical director highlighted the complexities of managing a club like Ajax, where short-term performance must align with long-term sustainability. “It turned out to be more work than expected,” Kroes admitted. “At Ajax,something happens every day. You’re constantly putting out small fires while trying to build a enduring institution. It’s a balancing act that requires both immediate results and strategic planning.”
Ajax’s Youth Academy: A Pathway to the Future
A cornerstone of Ajax’s strategy is its renowned youth academy. Kroes stressed the importance of fostering independence among young players. “We don’t need to shield them from every challenge or mistake,” he explained. “If someone else is always making decisions for them, they won’t learn to think for themselves.They need to experiance setbacks, make choices, and grow from those experiences.”
Among the academy’s rising stars is Sean Steur, a player Kroes believes has immense potential. “That boy is making tremendous progress in no time,” he said. “Will he make the Dutch national team and become a key player for Ajax within two or three years? Nobody knows. He has the talent, no doubt. We believe in him,but now it’s up to him to take the next steps. He needs to establish himself as a consistent performer in Young Ajax.”
once young talents like Steur prove themselves, the next step is integrating them into the frist team. Kroes emphasized the club’s commitment to nurturing these players. “there are plenty of young boys in Jong Ajax who coudl make it to Ajax 1,” he said. “We’re focused on helping them improve, securing their loyalty, and giving them the space to grow into their potential.”
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Interview with Alex Kroes, Technical Director of Ajax Amsterdam
by Archys, Archyde News Editor
Archyde: Alex, thank you for joining us today. Ajax is currently second in the Eredivisie,just four points behind PSV.Many fans are starting to dream of a title challenge. How do you assess the team’s chances this season?
Alex Kroes: Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to discuss the club’s progress. As for the title race, I think it’s crucial to remain grounded. Yes, we’re in a good position, but football is unpredictable. PSV has been incredibly consistent, and we’re still building our own stability. Our focus is on maximizing our potential and ensuring we’re competitive in every match.The title is not something we’re speculating about right now.
Archyde: You’ve mentioned stability as a key factor. Can you elaborate on what that means for Ajax this season?
Alex Kroes: Stability, for us, is about creating a solid foundation both on and off the pitch. We’ve had some challenges in recent years, but we’re now seeing the benefits of a clear vision and structure. The coaching staff, the players, and the board are all aligned in our objectives.We’re also nurturing young talents at Sportpark de Toekomst, which is a crucial part of our long-term strategy. Stability isn’t just about results; it’s about building a sustainable model for success.
Archyde: Speaking of young talents, Sean Steur has been making waves at the academy. What can you tell us about his development and the role of youth at Ajax?
Alex Kroes: sean is a fantastic example of the talent we have coming through our ranks. He’s shown great maturity and technical ability, and he’s someone we’re very excited about. At Ajax, youth development is in our DNA. We believe in giving young players opportunities to grow and shine. It’s not just about producing players for the first team; it’s about instilling the Ajax ideology in them from a young age. Sean is one of many promising talents, and we’re committed to supporting their development.
Archyde: Ajax has a rich history of competing in the Champions League. How important is securing qualification this season?
Alex Kroes: It’s absolutely vital. The Champions League is where Ajax belongs. It’s not just about the financial benefits; it’s about competing at the highest level and showcasing our football on the biggest stage. Qualifying for the Champions league is one of our primary objectives this season. It’s a challenging goal, but one we’re fully focused on achieving.
Archyde: what message would you like to send to the Ajax fans who are eagerly following the team’s progress?
Alex Kroes: To our amazing fans, I’d say thank you for your unwavering support. we know how much this club means to you, and we’re working tirelessly to make you proud. There’s a lot of work ahead, but we’re on the right path. Let’s continue this journey together, one game at a time.
Alex Kroes’ measured approach and focus on long-term stability highlight Ajax’s commitment to sustainable success. With young talents like Sean Steur emerging and the team firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification, the future looks shining for the Amsterdam giants.
Stay tuned to Archyde for more updates on Ajax and the Eredivisie.
