Steven Berghuis has delivered a damning assessment of Ajax's managerial turmoil, suggesting the club operated without clear direction under three different coaches last season. Speaking to Ajax's official channels, the Dutch winger contrasted the uncertainty of that period with the tactical clarity now provided by new head coach Míchel Sánchez.
Berghuis described the previous regime as a "heads or tails situation", where players arrived at matches uncertain of the team's tactical approach. "Last year I sometimes had the feeling before the match that it was heads or tails," he explained. "You did not really know what to expect." The revolving door at Ajax's dugout saw John Heitinga, Fred Grim, and Óscar García all fail to stabilize the club during a turbulent campaign that saw two managerial dismissals.
Míchel Brings Structure and Clarity
Under Míchel's guidance, Berghuis believes Ajax have finally established a coherent plan. "So that you are no longer dependent on that heads-or-tails situation, but know beforehand: if we do this, Ajax will win," he said. The shift represents a fundamental change in how the squad prepares for matches, moving from reactive uncertainty to proactive confidence.
Despite technical director Jordi Cruyff publicly prioritizing a title push, Berghuis emphasized that winning trophies is secondary to competing with authority. "Whether you win a trophy or not... That you are competitive and have the feeling that you are on top of your opponents, regardless of the result. That the Ajax crowd are proud of the team," he outlined. His comments suggest the squad's primary focus is establishing psychological dominance and consistency.
Berghuis contributed one goal and two assists in Ajax's recent win over Telstar, though competition for his role intensified after the club signed Viktor Tsygankov late in the transfer window. His immediate future at the Amsterdam club remains uncertain as Míchel shapes his squad preferences.
