Míchel Emerges as Ajax Favorite as Slot Rules Out Return

Girona’s Michel eyed by Ajax following Slot rebuff

Míchel is in negotiations with Ajax to replace their third manager of the season, while Arne Slot has turned down the club’s advances.

Ajax need two points to avoid their worst 21st-century finish and are now pursuing Girona’s Míchel after missing out on Arne Slot...

Ajax have turned their attention to Girona boss Míchel as they look for their next manager, following reports that Arne Slot turned down their approach. 

The Dutch club are now on their third head coach this season after sacking John Heitinga in November and seeing interim Fred Grim leave in March. 

Technical director Jordi Cruyff, who took over in February, is said to want Míchel for the role. The 50-year-old Spaniard guided Girona to their first Champions League qualification in 2024, but his deal runs out this summer.

Girona are fighting to avoid relegation for the first time since Míchel took charge, sitting four points above the drop ahead of Monday’s Sevilla vs Real Sociedad clash. Marca’s Matteo Moretto reported that Ajax have already opened talks with the coach, but Míchel says he won’t consider his future until Girona’s safety is secured.

El Ajax está en negociaciones para firmar a Míchel, entrenador del Girona. pic.twitter.com/8ePMIIS7sI

— Matteo Moretto (@MatteMoretto) April 2, 2026

Ajax Miss Out as Slot Stays at Anfield

De Telegraaf’s Mike Verweij revealed on Monday that Jordi Cruyff also made contact with Liverpool boss Arne Slot, but was met with a rejection. The Dutch coach made it clear that going back to the Eredivisie doesn’t fit where he wants his career to go right now.

Slot has faced scrutiny after a difficult season with Liverpool, but Champions League qualification is now nearly certain, and Sky Sports reports he’s expected to remain in charge.

It’s been a season to forget for Ajax. With 55 points from 32 games and no Champions League place to play for, they need only two more points to avoid their worst league finish since 2000.