Pro ShotsFrancesco Farioli
NOS Voetbal•vandaag, 08:28
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Thierry Boon
editor/reporter NOS Sport
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Thierry Boon
editor/reporter NOS Sport
The Francesco Farioli meter continues to rise in Amsterdam. After victories over Feyenoord, PSV and Maccabi, the Ajax fans are in the Italian polonaise. This afternoon the Amsterdam team can complete the perfect series for the international break against FC Twente (2.30 pm). At the same time, in Nice, where Farioli was coach last year, they are not at all sad about his departure, as can be seen from a visit to the coastal town.
If you look closely, you can discover Wesley Sneijder’s name in black, elegant letters. Just like those of Dick van Dijk and Luigi Bruins. The names of many former OGC Nice players appear on the wall of the press conference room at the training complex.
Farioli could stare there for minutes last season. Club history, he thought it was wonderful. This modern complex, on Boulevard Jean Luciano in the luxurious seaside resort, is where Farioli even slept at the beginning of his French time. Everything about football.
ANPFrancesco Farioli on the training field at OGC Nice last season
“He taught us his enormous grinta, the will to win,” says Evann Guessand, the 23-year-old attacker who became an Ivory Coast international partly thanks to Farioli’s lessons. “I enjoyed working with him because I really developed as a player under him.”
Formula 1 car in the lobby
There is something glamorous about the lobby of the Nice training complex. The first thing you encounter when you enter is Lewis Hamilton’s Formula 1 car. With the name of Ineos on it, the company of British businessman Jim Ratcliffe, also a major sponsor of OGC Nice.
Pro ShotsJim Ratcliffe, the British businessman, at Nice
When Farioli was appointed last year, he was given the task of achieving European football. That worked. For a long time, Nice was even second in the French league. Ultimately, it finished fifth, resulting in a Europa League ticket, in which FC Twente was held to 2-2 on Thursday.
Farioli ‘saai’
Although the results were more than satisfactory, Farioli and his staff, most of whom now also work in Amsterdam, had to deal with some criticism from the fans.
“Ask a Nice supporter about Farioli and he will immediately say the word boring,” predicts Maxime Tilliette, who follows the club on behalf of broadcaster RMC Sport.
Pro ShotsFrancesco Farioli as Nice coach in conversation with Dave Brailsford of Ineos
At the red and black terrace of ‘Snack chez Gilou et Dany’, overlooking Nice’s Allianz Riviera stadium, that prediction appears to have come true. A group of twenty-somethings indeed say that the game shown under Farioli was not exactly attractive.
Surprise about Ajax’s interest
“We were very surprised when we heard that Ajax was interested in him,” he said. “He is really a good guy and he gave everything for the club, but after scoring a goal the team went backwards en masse.”
It is easy to sketch a general picture from conversations with various fans. Farioli’s efforts were widely appreciated. He showed interest in the club, the city and the people. But in terms of entertainment on the field, he disappointed. His transition to Ajax is seen as the best for all parties.
ANPFrancesco Farioli as trainer of Ajax
Nice did not make a fuss this summer when it became clear that Farioli was open to Ajax. According to sports journalist Tilliette, who saw him up close for a season, Farioli wanted to go to Ajax straight away.
Football romantic
“He is a real football romantic. He loves the history of Ajax, the way they play. The DNA of a club is genuinely important to him.”
This is also evident this week, when it becomes clear that the previously fairly bare players’ tunnel of the Amsterdam team is suddenly full of portraits of former players. Partly at the suggestion of Farioli, who previously took his selection to the club’s museum, to teach the players the rich history of Ajax.
Pro ShotsFrancesco Farioli with fans of Nice
At Nice, the Italian also sometimes used the club’s history in his speeches before matches. It is part of his vision to make players feel what it means to play for a club. Now Nice has quite a nice past, but it does not compare to Ajax. Farioli loves that.
He left the French journalists, who worked well with him, with a good bottle of Chianti, Italian red wine. The fans had to make do without a tangible memory.
“We don’t miss him,” says the group of friends on the terrace. “We wish Farioli the best, but it is good how it went. Now we play much more attractively.”
Francesco Farioli: The Hopes, Dreams, and Cautious Optimism of Ajax
Ah, Francesco Farioli – the man making waves in Amsterdam, and let’s be honest, it’s probably for something other than his choice of suit. With Ajax fans two-stepping their way into happiness following victories against Feyenoord, PSV, and Maccabi, it seems the Italian maestro has some serious room to dance into their hearts. But will he stumble forward in the big match against FC Twente today at 2:30 PM? Or will they be waltzing back into the depths of despair?
From Nice, With Love (or Maybe Not)
While Farioli’s stock rises in the land of the clogs, let’s peek through the espresso shot glasses back to Nice. You’d think they’d be tearing their hair out over losing a hot piece of Italian coaching pie. But if you ask the folks over there, it sounds more like they’ve lost an uninvited dinner guest. “Boring,” they shout! How charming! Yes, Maxime Tilliette, a nice chap from RMC Sport, predicted the word that would haunt Farioli: “boring.” It’s so catchy that it’s going to need a spot on the charts—maybe right next to “Call Me Maybe.”
A Glimpse of Glamour
Picture this: you stroll into a training complex and the first thing to greet you is none other than Lewis Hamilton’s Formula 1 car. That’s right, the man of speed now gracing the lounge of a training complex! If that doesn’t scream glamour, I don’t know what does! Farioli was tasked with steering OGC Nice to European glory, which they somewhat managed by finishing fifth. You can bet he glued that shiny car as a reminder that speed kills… unless you’re Ajax trying to score in the last second.
The Art of Coaching: Charm vs. Charisma
Now, let’s not be too hasty. Farioli did impart some wisdom onto players like Evann Guessand, who claims he learned more than just how to kick a ball – there was ‘grinta’, the all-important will to win. Talk about a classic case of character development! But, if we’re being brutally honest—and you know I am—what’s the use of teaching character if the only thing you’ll be remembered for is leading the team into defensive shell mode when a goal is scored? Fans want to see flair, pizzazz, and maybe a zesty goal celebration, not a retreat to their half! One goal and suddenly they’re playing a game of hide and seek!
The Ajax Effect: A Tale of Football Romance
Farioli is painted as a “football romantic,” and honestly, who doesn’t want that? He loves Ajax’s history—so much so that he’s even brought in portraits of past legends to decorate the players’ tunnel. Because nothing says ‘time to get pumped for the match’ quite like a shadowy figure of Johan Cruyff, looming behind you. It’s not just about the game for Farioli; it’s about embracing what makes the club special. But will nostalgia win matches?
Good Riddance or a New Dawn?
While Ajax is buzzing with excitement, Nice seems to be more about “C’est la vie.” “We don’t miss him,” claim fans over there, noting that they now play much more attractively without him. It’s a classic case of one man’s trash being another man’s treasure. Farioli wrapped up his stint at Nice with a bottle of Chianti for the journos to remember him by. Leaving behind a good vintage is a nice touch, but it begs the question: did he really leave behind any fond memories?
The Final Countdown (or Did Someone Order Takeout?)
As we gear up to watch Farioli against FC Twente, the tension is palpable. Will it be another remarkable victory leading Ajax into the sunshine, or will we be left holding a takeaway menu thinking, “Well, that was a waste of an afternoon?” With stakes this high, it feels safe to say he’s going to need more than just a bottle of Chianti; he’ll need a glass of something strong as he faces the unpredictable world of Dutch football!
In conclusion, folks, keep your eyes peeled as the Farioli saga unfolds. Will he become a club hero, or will he end up as a cautionary tale? Regardless, we’re here for the drama, and let’s not forget, where there’s football, there’s always a story worth telling.
The Francesco Farioli meter continues to rise in Amsterdam. Following impressive victories over top-tier teams such as Feyenoord, PSV, and Maccabi, Ajax fans are wholeheartedly embracing the Italian coach’s style and tactics. This afternoon, as the Amsterdam squad prepares for their upcoming international break, they have the opportunity to cap off a perfect run by facing FC Twente at 2:30 PM. Meanwhile, in Nice, where Farioli served as head coach last season, the reaction to his departure is decidedly indifferent, as evidenced by the climate in the coastal city.
The press conference room at OGC Nice’s training complex boasts a striking feature: the names of legendary players, including Wesley Sneijder, Dick van Dijk, and Luigi Bruins, showcased in sleek black lettering adorn the walls. This tribute highlights the club’s rich history and the prominent figures who once donned the Nice jersey.
Farioli could often find himself lost in thought, gazing at those names for minutes during his tenure at the club. He viewed the modern training complex on Boulevard Jean Luciano as a shrine to football culture, even experiencing the facilities as his temporary residence when he first made the transition to French football.
Evann Guessand, a forward who has recently donned the Ivory Coast national team jersey, fondly reflects on Farioli’s impact, stating, “He taught us his enormous grinta, the will to win.” The 23-year-old acknowledges that Farioli played a pivotal role in his personal development as a player, expressing gratitude for the lessons learned under the coach’s guidance.
Formula 1 car in the lobby
Upon entering the sophisticated lobby of Nice’s training complex, visitors are greeted by the sight of Lewis Hamilton’s iconic Formula 1 car, adorned with the Ineos logo, the company owned by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, who is also a significant sponsor of OGC Nice.
Last season, Farioli was tasked with leading Nice to secure European competition qualification, a mission he successfully accomplished. His team spent considerable time in second place within the French league standings, ultimately finishing fifth, which granted them a position in the Europa League—an arena where they recently faced FC Twente in a draw.
Farioli ‘saai’
Despite achieving commendable results, Farioli’s coaching style faced scrutiny from fans, who often expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance on the field.
According to Maxime Tilliette, a sports journalist representing RMC Sport, “Ask a Nice supporter about Farioli, and he will immediately say the word boring,” reflecting the sentiments among the fanbase regarding the aesthetic quality of the game under his management.
This verdict resonates at the red and black terrace of ‘Snack chez Gilou et Dany,’ which overlooks Nice’s Allianz Riviera stadium. A group of young fans expresses their agreement, noting that the style of play exhibited under Farioli lacked excitement and flair.
Surprise about Ajax’s interest
Fans were taken aback upon hearing of Ajax’s interest in Farioli, with sentiments echoing that while he was a committed coach who devoted himself to the club, tactical norms such as a defensive withdrawal post-goal were observed far too frequently.
Through discussions with various supporters, a consensus emerges recognizing Farioli’s dedication and the rapport he established with the club, while simultaneously noting a lack of entertainment value during matches. His transition to Ajax is anticipated to benefit all parties involved.
Football romantic
Farioli is often described as a genuine football romantic, deeply appreciative of Ajax’s storied heritage and distinctive style of play, emphasizing the importance of a club’s DNA in his coaching philosophy.
This passion became apparent recently when the previously austere players’ tunnel at Ajax was adorned with portraits honoring the club’s historic legends, a concept partly inspired by Farioli, who previously engaged his team with visits to the club’s museum to instill an understanding of Ajax’s illustrious past.
In his time at Nice, he integrated the club’s history into his motivational speeches ahead of matches, seeking to instill a sense of pride and meaning in representing the club, recognizing that while Nice has its heritage, it cannot compare with the legacy that Ajax carries.
As he departed, Farioli expressed his gratitude to the French journalists, gifting them a fine bottle of Chianti, an authentic Italian red wine. In contrast, the fans, lacking tangible reminders of their time with him, found solace in their collective assessment.
The group of friends lounging on the terrace remarked, “We don’t miss him; we wish Farioli the best, but it is good how it went. Now we play much more attractively,” reflecting a sentiment of optimism as the club moves forward.
That Farioli’s time at Nice will be remembered more for his efforts in character development rather than the captivating style of football they desired. The charm he exuded in nurturing players’ skills was often overshadowed by the mundane approach to matches.
As Ajax gears up for their clash with FC Twente this afternoon, fans are undeniably hopeful. Farioli’s recent track record, including vibrant wins over rivals, has breathed new life into the club, generating a palpable buzz around the arena. Whether the clashes with FC Twente will solidify that optimism or send fans reeling back to the melancholic days of defensive stagnation is yet to be determined.
Farioli’s relationship with players, especially younger talents like Evann Guessand, who admired his “grinta,” suggests that he could still cultivate promising talents at Ajax, even if critiques of his gameplay persist. It’s a delicate balance between nurturing ambition within the ranks and being the tactician who effectively translates that ambition into dynamic, winning football.
Today’s match will be a litmus test: a moment to showcase the evolution of Farioli’s approach with Ajax, or a step back into the shadows of mediocrity. If the performances resonate with the grace and flair that Ajax is renowned for, it could very well silence the critics and sway the narrative in Farioli’s favor. Otherwise, the echoes of “boring” may well linger longer amid the chants of passionate supporters.
As the clock edges closer to kick-off at 2:30 PM, all eyes will be glued to the pitch, anxiously waiting to see if Farioli can turn this gathering storm of expectation into a spectacle worth cheering for, or if the afternoon will fall flat, leaving a sense of longing for that elusive charisma he apparently has yet to fully embrace.