New Ajax executive says aiming for a league title next season is unrealistic

The newly appointed general manager at Ajax acknowledged the Amsterdam football club is unlikely to win an Eredivisie title next season. Alex Kroes took over as GM and board chairman last week, taking over for interim boss Jan van Halst who held the reigns after Edwin van der Sar left the team.

Kroes admitted a league title is an unrealistic goal during an appearance on football talk show Rondo on Sunday night. Ajax is currently fifth on the Dutch league table, sitting 31 points behind leaders PSV.

This past Friday was the new executive's first work day at the club, which has the most championships in the Netherlands. He has signed a three-year contract. “I want to fight for the title in that period. Will that be next year? I would love it. Is that realistic? Probably not.”

He added that getting the key positions filled and critical issues in order will be vital in achieving the target. Former Ajax managers Danny Blind and Louis van Gaal are a part of the staff that will assist Kroes in his new function.

Ajax conceded their 71st goal of the season on Sunday, which equaled the most goals they have given up during a single season in the club’s history. “I am super ambitious, and obviously, it feels terrible to see my club like this,” Kroes said. “But it will not all be fixed in one summer. However, we are going to work our hardest to achieve it.”

The 50-year-old from Utrecht played with Ajax for ten years until he turned 19, and remained part of the club for years. He is also the co-founder of talent management firm Sports Entertainment Group.

Based outside of Amsterdam in Duivendrecht, the company represents dozens of athletes, including Cody Gakpo, Daley Blind, Darius Stalmach and Sergio Gómez. They also represent respected names in cycling, e-sports and music.