Menno Geelen has moved to quash reports suggesting Jordi Cruyff operates independently at Ajax, insisting the technical director operates as part of a cohesive leadership team. The general director's comments directly counter recent claims published by Het Parool, which alleged Cruyff was making unilateral decisions at the Dutch club.
"I do not recognise that portrayal at all," Geelen told De Telegraaf in an extensive interview. "Jordi is very much a team player. I have personally spoken to him virtually every day over the past few months, about all sorts of matters." This daily engagement underscores the collaborative nature of Ajax's current management structure, moving away from the isolated decision-making that characterised previous regimes.
Collaborative Leadership at Ajax
Geelen outlined how Cruyff regularly consults with multiple stakeholders across the organisation. The technical director works closely with finance director Shashi Baboeram Panday, whilst also involving Daniel de Ridder and Siem de Jong, who are developing as technical managers. This tiered approach ensures decisions are vetted across financial, sporting, and administrative functions before implementation.
"They liaise just as easily with the scouting team and the football side as with the administrative side of the club," Geelen explained. "Jordi also exchanges views a lot with the coach, other members of the staff, and with the football commissioner." This interconnected system represents a departure from the centralised model that produced mixed results in recent transfer windows.
Learning from Past Transfer Mistakes
While Cruyff has already brought multiple players to Ajax, comparisons have emerged with Sven Mislintat, the former technical director whose ambitious 2023 spending failed to deliver consistent on-pitch returns. Geelen acknowledged these parallels whilst defending the lessons learned. "The Mislintat period was evaluated extensively, including externally. One of the findings was that the football axis within the organisation was not in order. That has been addressed."
The restructured transfer process now incorporates improved communication protocols between technical staff, coaches, and scouts. Geelen emphasised that Ajax has systematically reviewed its recruitment procedures to prevent repeating errors that cost the club millions in failed acquisitions. With Cruyff's appointment backed by robust institutional support, Ajax aims to restore efficiency and success to their transfer strategy in the seasons ahead.
