New technical director at Ajax, Jordi Cruyff has made his first major move. It’s not just a move though; more of a bold statement or, Gedurfd as the Dutch would say.
Indeed, this is one that has a familial connection. New Ajax Under 23s manager, Oscar Garcia, played under Jordi’s father, and Ajax legend, Johan Cruyff at Barcelona, before coaching at the club’s famed La Masia youth academy.
Welcome to Ajax, Oscar García 🤝
Ajax has reached an agreement with Oscar García on the coach’s move to Amsterdam. García will take up the role of head coach of Ajax U23. The Spanish coach has signed a contract with immediate effect, running until June 30, 2027.
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) February 10, 2026
Garcia brings with him a deep, quintessentially “native” understanding of the 4-3-3 system and positional play that Ajax fans demand, while unlike previous appointments at this level which have focused solely on development, Garcia is a seasoned, professional manager who has clearly bought into the long term vision.
A CV Of Notable Worth
Having managed Red Bull Salzburg, Celta Vigo and Reims, Garcia brings a unique skillset, perfectly crafted to mould rough diamonds at Under 23 level, into world-beating, first team starters.
Suddenly, the Ajax Under 23 side is effectively a professional environment and it is seemingly a masterstroke move from Cruyff. The long-standing relationship that exists between the duo, helps to ensure that there will be a unified vision between the boardroom and the training pitch which could help to significantly reduce the tension that has existed in the club’s hierarchy over recent years.
Despite Garcia’s style effectively being focused around possession football, his tenure at RB Salzburg saw him integrate a pressing element to his tactical arsenal; a trait that has proven to be essential for competing in modern day European football competitions.
He brings with him many impressive assets in his playbook that can only benefit the club in the long-term and help to expedite the progress of the many talents currently on the books in the Under 23 team.
His level of tactical nuance regarding “La Pausa” and the exploitation of space is something that can help to refine the raw technical ability of Dutch prospects, while his experience managing at the top, can help to equip the Under 23s with the psychological readiness and mental resilience that is necessary for playing football at the highest level.
Garcia also arrives with his own team of proven pedigree which means the players can hit the ground running. His assistant, Carlos Garcia and fitness coach, Enrique Sanz will be essential in helping him put the squad through their paces and quickly get them up to speed.
Plenty To Look Forward To
There is a substantial crop of talent in the Under 23 squad which have the potential to step up and become stars in the first team and Garcia will no doubt, have individually tailored plans on how he can help to make that happen, having been a key influence in Hugo Ekitike’s development while at Reims.
Midfielders Sean Steur and Damian van der Vaart (son of former player Rafael van der Vaart) are both two players who have been earmarked for success and having developed similar profiles at La Masia, Garcia’s experience can be vital.
Rayane Bounida is a forward that possesses similar raw qualities to Ekitike and if Garcia can help to get him on a similar path, then fans have a reason to be seriously excited. While at first glance, this move from Cruyff might appear underwhelming it is one that could transform the fortunes of the club in the long term. Watch this space.