The four Ajax players become prepared since 2023 for a position within the club. Ajax wants to involve former players more in the organization through the training. Over the past two and a half years, this first group has had time to find a position that suits them.
Kelly Zeeman will create video content for Ajax for the club’s various media channels. Ricardo van Rhijn will mainly focus on the commercial side of the club. “We are convinced that the practical experience and top sports mentality offer extra value for the club,” says general manager Menno Geelen.
Support from Cruyff
The two most sensational roles are for De Jong and De Ridder: they are appointed as technical managers. According to the club, they will both act as a ‘sounding board for Cruijff, the staff and the players’. De Jong will provide internal technical support to Cruijff. He will also temporarily manage scouting for professional football.
Daniel de Ridder will play a role in the preparation and implementation of transfers. “Siem and Daniel know the football world inside out and have also gotten to know the organizational side of Ajax since their arrival,” says technical director Jordi Cruijff.
He is happy with the new help: “I am happy that I can work with them and use their knowledge in the steps we are going to take with Ajax.”
