Ajax officially appoint former Girona boss Michel as manager
Michel, aged 50, departed from Girona last week after failing to keep the Catalan club in the top flight. A 1-1 draw against Elche at Estadi Montilivi on the final day condemned them to a 19th-place finish and relegation from Spain's top division after four years.
In Amsterdam, the Madrid-born Michel joins forces with former Barcelona director Jordi Cruyff, who was appointed as Ajax's technical director in February 2026.
Michel shared his thoughts on joining Ajax in a club statement.
"It feels great to be here; I am proud to take this next step in my career. Ajax is a big name in Europe, a club that has always developed young, talented players," the Spaniard said.
"Jordi (Cruyff) knows me from my work in Spain, and we have discussed the club's philosophy, how I operate and how that aligns. He has shown full faith in me, and together with the other people within the club, we are embarking on a new challenge. The goal is to return Ajax to where it belongs, and I am fully confident we will achieve that."
Cruyff praised Michel's work in Spain in the club's statement. "Michel is an ambitious and demanding coach. I am certain he will bring his vision and his intensive working method to our squad.
"I know him well and have followed him for many years. His approach suits Ajax. The fact that he spent five seasons at the same club in La Liga speaks volumes about both his abilities and his loyalty. Now that this key position is filled, we can proceed with strengthening the squad."
Club in turmoil
At Ajax, Michel takes charge after a turbulent year in Amsterdam. Ajax finished fifth in the Eredivisie with 56 points, their joint-lowest tally since 1962.
John Heitinga was appointed on May 31st but was dismissed in November after a series of poor results. Interim manager Fred Grim took over, only to be demoted again in March, after which former Barcelona forward Oscar Garcia assumed control.
Ajax won just five of their ten matches under Garcia's guidance, but secured a spot in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers by beating FC Utrecht on penalties in the play-off final.
Michel is the first major move by technical director Jordi Cruyff, who replaced Alex Kroes in February. Cruyff, the son of Ajax legend Johan Cruyff, is planning a comprehensive overhaul of the squad, with the Dutchman aiming to bring 10 to 15 new players to Amsterdam.
Success with Girona
Michel joined Girona in 2021 and promptly secured promotion to LaLiga in his debut season. In the club's second season in LaLiga, Michel and Girona qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history. Michel was named LaLiga Manager of the Season following this historic achievement with the Blanquivermells.
Michel departs the club as the manager with the second-most matches in charge in its history (221) and the second-most wins (91).
Girona supporters criticised Michel, whose side failed to win any of their last eight league matches, for being distracted by a potential move to Ajax amid a tense relegation battle.