Potter will not become Ajax’s coach, 35-year-old Farioli is now a top priority

• Sam Porskamp

  follows Ajax on behalf of NOS Sport

Graham Potter will not be Ajax’s new coach. The Amsterdammers had been in discussions with the Englishman for several weeks, but were unable to reach an agreement. The 35-year-old Italian Francesco Farioli now appears to be the main candidate to succeed John van ‘t Schip next season, sources confirm to the NOS.

The salary demands and staffing were the biggest stumbling blocks in the negotiations between Ajax and Potter.

Since his return as technical director, Alex Kroes promised to start appointing a new trainer. In addition to the negotiations with Potter, Kroes, with Director of Football Marijn Beuker at his side, at the same time also talking to the trainer of OGC Nice, Farioli. After Potter’s cancellation, the Italian is now Ajax’s top priority.

Farioli, who is a lot cheaper and more attainable than Potter, is currently fifth in the French league. Kroes and Beuker are charmed by the talented trainer, but there are also doubts within Ajax. At 35 years old, he is very young for a trainer and he has not been active at the highest level for very long.

Three years ago, Farioli took his first steps as head coach at Turkish side Fatih Karagümrük and then moved to Alanyaspor. Last summer, Farioli signed a contract with Nice.

It is very important for Kroes that a trainer is presented quickly. After a dramatic season, Ajax would like to quickly start rebuilding the club, in which the trainer plays an important role.