Another European powerhouse who has fallen on hard times could benefit from taking a leaf out of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s playbook.
On Tuesday, Manchester United‘s new co-owner and chief decision-maker presided over yet more behind the scenes changes at his beloved club, interim CFO Cliff Baty and interim CEO Patrick Stewart the latest members of the Glazer regime to say their goodbyes, replaced by two trusted Ineos lieutenants in Roger Bell and Jean-Claude Blanc.
That, putting a clear, coherent structure in place at Old Trafford, has been Ratcliffe’s top priority ever since the Glazers finally ratified his takeover on Christmas Eve.
Christian Poulsen feels Ajax would benefit from a similar overhaul, a dreadful 2023/24 season beset by appalling performances on the pitch and even more damaging issues off it. The problems caused by the tenure of Sven Mislintat, the man who led a disastrous, £100 million-plus recruitment drive last summer, could take years to fix.
What’s more, Ajax only confirmed Alex Kroes’ return to the club as technical director last week, the former AZ Alkmaar chief having initially been suspended for suspected insider trading (ESPN).
Christian Eriksen tipped to return to Ajax
Now, an emotional return to Amsterdam for Christian Eriksen would not solve all of Ajax’s problems.
But Poulsen, who played alongside the Manchester United ace in the Eredivisie and for the Danish national team, is convinced that Eriksen would at least give a cherub-cheeked and largely inexperienced Ajax side someone to follow; leading by example both on the pitch and off it too.
“This Ajax needs a stronger framework,” Poulsen tells Ajax Life. “Christian is a great leader. Not necessarily with words – there are plenty of players who talk more – but in behaviour.
“Chris can still play football well and he is also a leader with the ball. I know he still has a good feeling for Ajax, but ultimately he determines his own future.
“It will take a few years before Ajax plays football again as they did under (Erik) Ten Hag. There is always talent at Ajax but, as a club, you need a strong frame. Not only on the field, but in the entire club structure.”
Eriksen, alongside fellow veterans Casemiro and Raphael Varane, is expected to leave Man United during a summer of substantial changes under Ineos. Despite insisting that he remains ‘incredibly happy’ at Old Trafford, the former Tottenham and Inter Milan ace has also made no secret of his desire for more regular football.
The emergence of Kobbie Mainoo – who Eriksen rates extremely highly – coupled with United’s pursuit of younger, more athletic midfield options likely means the 32-year-old will have to go if he is to play a key role at club level in 2024/25.
Old Trafford exit likely for Christian Eriksen
One-time Liverpool misfit Poulsen, meanwhile, is not the only former Denmark international who feels Eriksen’s career should come full circle.
“When I look at the possibilities and where he has come from and where he can do fantastically well for a few more years, then Ajax will be a fantastic place,” the iconic Michael Laudrup tells ViaPlay.
“I also know that Ajax have mentioned that they are interested. After his cardiac arrest (at the 2021 European Championships), he was in Amsterdam rehabilitating. He knows the city, he knows the language and he knows the club.
“They will almost receive him as a king returning home.”
