Ajax manager Francesco Farioli dramatically QUITS following monumental Eredivisie title race collapse as ex-Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag emerges as candidate to return

Ajax were leading the Eredivisie title race until last week when they faltered against Groningen, who came back from behind and scored a 99th-minute equaliser and held the Dutch giants to a 2-2 draw. Dropping two points in their penultimate game of the season allowed PSV Eindhoven to take the lead in the title race, and they eventually won the league by a point on Sunday.

Following the monumental collapse in the title race, Farioli has decided to quit the club. In an official statement by Ajax, they confirmed that the manager has formally left. The statement read: "Francesco Farioli has decided to leave Ajax after careful consideration. The head coach has informed the club's board of his decision." Farioli broke down in tears on Sunday after their final match of the season against FC Twente as PSV walked away with the trophy.

Per journalist Mike Verweij of De Telegraaf, Ajax have started to look for Farioli's replacements as they have put Go Ahead Eagles coach Paul Simonis and ex-Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag in their shortlist. Both managers have reportedly held initial talks with the Dutch side.

Ten Hag has not managed a club since leaving United in October 2024. Along with Ajax, the Dutch coach has also been linked with a move to Bayer Leverkusen to replace Xabi Alonso if Cesc Fabregas decides to stay at Como.