Michel Departs Girona, Eyes Ajax Job After LaLiga Relegation

Michel set for Ajax switch 

Girona’s four-year LaLiga stay ends with Michel’s exit. The manager who delivered promotion and a Champions League debut is expected to be announced as Ajax’s new head coach soon.

After 221 games, LaLiga promotion, and a historic Champions League run, Míchel exits Girona following relegation. Reports say Ajax are now in final talks with the Spanish coach to replace him on their bench...

Michel exits Girona following relegation, with Ajax links intensifying.

Girona have confirmed Michel’s departure after dropping to the second tier, as reports grow stronger linking the coach to Dutch powerhouse Ajax.

The drop was sealed with a 1-1 draw at home to Elche at Estadi Montilivi. That result left Girona 19th in LaLiga, ending a four-year run in Spain’s top flight.

“Having taken charge in the summer of 2021, Míchel has been a key figure in the sporting growth and consolidation of Girona FC's playing style,” the club said in a statement on their website.

Girona supporters turned on Michel during the run-in, accusing him of having his head turned by Ajax links while his team went eight league matches without a win in the fight to stay up.

“Over his seasons at the helm of the first team, he has managed a total of 221 official matches, becoming one of the most important coaches in the Club's recent history. In his first season, he led the team to a memorable promotion to LaLiga through the play-offs, culminating in Tenerife on a night that has become historic for Girona fans,” the statement continued.

Michel arrived at the Catalan club in 2021 and secured LaLiga promotion right away in his debut campaign. Two seasons later, he guided Girona into the Champions League for the first time ever, earning LaLiga Manager of the Season honors after that breakthrough with the Blanquivermells.

He departs as Girona’s second-longest serving manager with 221 games in charge, and second only in wins with 91 victories.

The 50-year-old from Madrid also managed Rayo Vallecano and Huesca before Girona, following a 20-year career as a player.

Deal with Ajax reportedly nearing completion Michel’s exit from Girona comes less than 24 hours after reports emerged that he was close to finalizing terms with Dutch heavyweights Ajax.

Míchel Sánchez no continuarà al Girona FC.

El Club vol desitjar al tècnic i al seu staff els majors èxits tant en l’àmbit professional com personal en el futur.

🔗 https://t.co/6UzUbZLzW0 pic.twitter.com/epIrrpQyer

— Girona FC (@GironaFC) May 28, 2026

Per ESPN, talks between Ajax and Míchel are focused on the last details, mainly how long the contract will run and who he’ll bring on as staff. Both sides are pushing to get it over the line quickly.

The 50-year-old had also been linked to Bayer Leverkusen, but the German club allegedly passed after concerns over Míchel’s “poor grasp of the English language.”

Ajax are expected to confirm the appointment soon.