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| Frank de Boer is Ajax's seventh longest serving manager, out of twenty-five, since Rinus Michels took office in January 1965. |
A month before taking his first managerial job, Frank de Boer travelled to Barcelona, this wasn't a personal call but one he'd hope would further shape his vision. It did. Whilst celebrating a historic three-peat, he can look back over the last two-and-a-half years with a sense of contentment; another wonderful story is emerging out of Amsterdam, his journey of a thousand miles began with a single trip.
De Boer, still a youth team coach and part of the Dutch national team set-up as Bert van Marwijk's assistant, was a guest of former teammate Pep Guardiola, after sharing old memories, it quickly transpired to the reason for his visit. Reminiscent of Guardiola's now famous meeting with Marcelo Bielsa, there was no barbeque, and it didn't last eleven hours. However there was the same passionate discussion of the game, every subject under the sun was touched upon Phillip Cocu since commented how that meeting changed De Boer. It proved to be enlightening.
There was also an underlying reason: Guardiola's conviction De Boer would make for an outstanding manager. His feeling was anything picked up in his young (and successful) managerial career to date could be invaluable to the Dutchman who shared a similar belief in how football should be played. De Boer was an admirer and Guardiola was more than happy to help with his fact-finding mission remembering not so long ago he was in a similar position, inspired by those who've tasted management and shared his outlook, Juanma Lillo springs to mind.
As teammates both enjoyed lengthy conversations about the game, De Boer noted how Guardiola back then was effectively a coach. Guardiola equally saw the same in the former Oranje skipper even if De Boer doubted himself. A decade ago Bielsa advised Guardiola to go into management Guardiola was now doing the same. In fact once De Boer eventually went into coaching after retiring in 2006, Guardiola approached him to be his assistant– once learning he'd be taking over from Frank Rijkaard – an invitation De Boer turned down, in order to strike out his own path. One trait both have in common is their steadfast belief in the 'Ajax model'. Ronald – Frank's twin – once said Guardiola is borderline obsessed, describing him as 'half-Dutch', after discovering and learning under Johan Cruyff and then Louis van Gaal. It was the latter whose distinct brand Guardiola revealed shaped much of his Barcelona side. "My jaw dropped when I saw Van Gaal's Ajax play," Guardiola wrote in his autobiography 'My People, My Football'. "They perfectly did everything a football team should do in my eyes."
De Boer's own philosophy started to unfold in his second season, an amalgamation of the Cruijffianen and Van Gaalisten School, individual and collectivism intertwined, each individual's strength combines to make a strong eleven: the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. "We are now more of a unit," Toby Alderweireld said when comparing with the approach under Martin Jol, when there was a large dependency on "one or two" players (notably Luis Suárez). "Ajax plays differently under De Boer," according to former player turned analyst Jan van Halst. "They no longer depend on one player," which is very much true, Ajax is not built around one single player; goals are shared around (their top scorer Siem de Jong is on twelve). "This Ajax team has a lot, but no focal point," Sjoerd Mossou wrote in Algemeen Dagblad. "No outsider, artist, rebel, pop star or teen idol. This is mainly down to the slick collective spirit Frank de Boer has forged." Every player contributes collectively as a result, through kinetics and the link between brain and body, there's a comfortable equilibrium in transition between attack and defence. "Football is a team sport," De Boer begins. "With a great striker you don't become champion, you do it all together. Our strength is that we are not dependent on one person."
Though a disciple of Cruyff and Van Gaal, evident in rekindling their ideas, and Cruyff being an advisor it's Guardiola's Barça he's used as his reference on the basis the Catalan side in the last four years shown the 'Ajax way' has a place in the modern game. He doesn't claim to be innovating; instead De Boer appreciates his many influences, often describing himself as a 'student of the game'. Guardiola stood for everything Barça. De Boer is the same with Ajax. He lived and breathed the club as a player (guardian of their philosophy if you will). "Frank de Boer is een echte Ajacied" is commonly sung by supporters (a far cry in the months following his acrimonious departure in 1998). More than most he understands their traditions and what it stands for. If a club in Catalunya can adopt their values, especially if it's proven to be successful, then there's no shame in taking certain parts of their game to improve his team. They're not a carbon copy, still worlds apart, but can be put in the same side of the spectrum.
What does set De Boer apart is his acumen, a sharp thinker but also a meticulous planner, every opposition analysed with the aid of Tonny Bruins Slot, Roy Wesseling and assistant manager Dennis Bergkamp in the greatest of details. A real team player, the specialists around him are just as important, for example last season a spate of muscle injuries hampered Ajax, after listening to medical staff adjusted the intensity of his training. "Last season we had 28 muscle injuries. Now I believe seven." It's speculative, but watching Ajax today you get the impression De Boer put those theories discussed with Guardiola, the same ones Barça adhere to, into practice.
It's been a gradual process, still is, which only serves as proof of De Boer's unyielding character and desire to restore Ajax back in Europe's conscious. Guardiola and Van Gaal were among the many including predecessor Marco van Basten to congratulate De Boer on his appointment, after Martin Jol's unexpected but anticipated resignation forty-eight hours before a Champions League away tie against AC Milan. The youngster (along with his brother) spotted by Cruyff was now at the helm of his boyhood club. He would win his first match in charge, a historic one, never before have the Amsterdammers tasted victory at the San Siro. "We showed guts tonight," De Boer said satisfied. "Dare to play [his mantra]. It's OK to make mistakes, but show some guts."
It would prove to be bittersweet as they had already been eliminated from the competition. However it would be used as an example of what can be possible. He doesn't have a seasoned squad at his disposal and it's ever-changing nevertheless he's a manager in the perfect environment – a former youth team coach working with familiar faces – what De Boer has done and continues to do so is further evidence, clear and concise instructions coupled with the right training – following the Michels model (individual based training) – attaining a high level of football isn't beyond Ajax. "The individual cleverness of the players was missing when I first got here [in 2006 as a youth team coach]," he said. "The individual action at the highest level is essential. We are now in training much more individualised. That is so important."
His players towards the end of the season are just as fit as they were at the start, albeit covering more ground, circulating the ball at a rapid rate. This is largely down to a training program designed to have them at their optimum best in the final months: between March and May under De Boer, they've played 29 games winning 27 and losing once. This method coupled with the slow process of re-building after losing key personnel in the summer, plus a young squad playing three games in a week, has unsurprisingly impacted on their form between August and December.
From the onset, when it comes to the style of football Ajax would play, he's been unequivocal. His analytical obsession aside De Boer doesn't believe in adapting to the opponent but rather playing their own game. "I'd rather go down fighting," he once boasted. "I share Louis van Gaal's desire to make continuous progress, to demand that your team constantly push things to the limit," he added. "When it comes to playing football, movement on the field and attacking, I am close to Johan Cruyff's philosophy. Simple football is the most beautiful. But playing simple football is the hardest thing." His contempt for the football displayed under Jol couldn't have been any clearer, labelling it unrecognisable, in some quarters unworthy of Ajax. "It did have some success but clashed with the traditional approach, which I know like the back of my hand. This is my club."
It was back to basics: 4-3-3, one-touch combination football. Ajax's defence, midfield and attacking lines play much closer to each other – increased mobility, fluidity and synergy in midfield has allowed their passing game to flourish, as well as enhancing their creativity and control. There was also a return to orthodox wingers, slightly changed today, preferring wide forwards, on occasions using a deep-lying forward (or 'false nine'). "We used to play with a No10," De Boer told Champions Matchday. "But now we play with two attacking midfielders and one holding player. But the philosophy is the same: create triangles on the pitch, engineer a numerical advantage in midfield, and create danger from that." The brand of football being showcased in Amsterdam is one purists have come to enjoy.
The turning point was last spring, after their humiliating defeat to FC Utrecht, everything changed from that moment. All it took was putting emphasis on one position. Sergio Busquets has long fascinated De Boer. A 'third centre-back'. This particular type of footballer exists in Dutch football, the 'controller' (see Frank Rijkaard), but Busquets – under Guardiola – has added a modern interpretation. One that has since been pivotal to De Boer realising his objectives; which is to dominate games through possession: circulation football as a means to not only create goal scoring opportunities but also a defensive weapon: if you have the ball the opposition can't harm you. The role of 'controller' was assigned to Vurnon Anita, instantly adapting – made easier by Ajax's system (likewise same for Christian Poulsen and Lasse Schöne since) – instructions couldn't be any clearer: retain and recycle possession. The next step will be for the 'third centre-back', and two midfielders in front, to take a greater lead in initiating attacks in tandem with the mobile central defenders (reliance gradually diminished). However the most interesting facet is the actual (collective) defending.
De Boer, to put it short, has reinvented Ajax similar to Cruyff in 1986, bringing their football up to date. They can't play like they did 18 years ago, the complexion has changed, so a need to adapt but sticking to their principles some of which gradually abandoned over the last decade, until now resurrected by De Boer. The system is the real success, within individuals are left to their own problem solving devices, an exercise in micro-management, also losing players no longer impacts (aside from early season teething issues as explained above), for example the loss of Jan Vertonghen and Anita hasn't been greatly felt due to Niklas Moisander and Poulsen smooth and efficient assimilation.
Ajax's new policy, in line with a new economic reality, means the days of spending over €5M for a player are (long) over. Though, of course, there might be an exception. "He needs to be a very good." Emphasis is on their academy. "More and more, in this time of crisis, we have come to realise that this is the essence of Ajax." Since arriving a total of €19.6M has been spent in five transfer windows, the most expensive being Kolbeinn Sigþórsson (€4M). Last summer Poulsen, Ryan Babel (returning) and Schöne arrived as free transfers. Schöne, initially a squad player, is now an integral first-teamer. He could arguably, considering his contribution, be one the signing of the season in the Eredivisie. "I've surprised myself," Schöne told Algemeen Dagblad. "I have made steps. Like the whole team. We are a real team, which is perhaps even more important than our individual qualities." It took and while for him and Poulsen to settle, the latter describing his new role as his most challenging but rewarding, they were always going to succeed given their technical attributes.
To some keeping the ball is looked down upon, but for De Boer it's everything, not just because it's the only way he knows how to play. He knows without it his side isn't very good, in that sense a passing fetishist, like Van Gaal. If you can "pass at speed" there's a strong chance of selection. However, playing in this manner has an advantage, keeping possession conserves energy. His team seldom passes more than ten metres during a build-up phase; let the ball do the running, but even a pass needs to be the right one: must be a metre ahead, never into feet, this way circulation is kept flowing.
Another Van Gaalisten concept he's incorporated is 'pressure play'. Ajax press the moment they lose possession, perfect time because the opposing player who has just won the ball is vulnerable. He's wasted energy winning it and is probably tired; possession needs to be regained in three seconds, usually by forming a wall of three behind the player closing down. If they haven't won it back, instead of falling back and regrouping, they move up the pitch – high defensive line – forming a compact ten-man wall, the distance between the last defender and attacking focal point is roughly around 30 metres. A switch made easy due to how close they play to each other (makes it easier to play their triangles as well). As you expect this should pose, in theory at least, a challenge for the opposition to get through. Once winning possession the job is to keep the ball, control the ebb and flow, until a gap appears – quicker the tempo more drilled their understanding needs to be – subsequently each attack is built patiently with the desire to finish with a sweeping move. The one exception is if possession is regained inside the penalty area, or just outside, then they attempt on goal.
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| Frank de Boer and Pep Guardiola played two seasons together at FC Barcelona winning one championship. It was there both started to consider life as coaches. |
Ajax's near fanatical version of circulation football hasn't gone without criticism. After their home win over VVV Venlo, where they had 81% possession of the ball, some labelled it "boring". De Boer, taken aback, defended his team's philosophy, stating they weren't keeping possession for the sake of it, adding an exciting game of football needs two participants. VVV were more than happy to let Ajax keep the ball and wait to counter which they found difficult to execute. Nonetheless, the instillation of a 'third centre-back' (or as Henk Spaan writes "point guard") has played a significant part in the Amsterdammers possession-based game increasing tenfold; this season they've been averaging 612 passes per game (484 completed) and 61% possession.
VVV isn't alone, majority of sides they face are willing to concede possession and play in a compact 6-3-1 formation, the general idea is to make the pitch so small, players like Siem de Jong and Christian Eriksen will find it difficult to play their own game. Ajax normally compresses the size of the pitch when chasing possession. In a few games this season they've come unstuck. De Boer, nonetheless, sees it more as his team – in those particular games – missing cleverness and killer instinct in the final third rather than a formation that has found them out, as they've comfortably beaten majority who have chosen this path.
As a former defender par-excellence this is the one area of the pitch De Boer has focused a great deal on. For obvious reasons, his tenets –much of which adopted from his mentors – dictated that Ajax must build from the back. "Cruyff told us that the players with the best ball handling skills should be the defenders," Guardiola said. "As they need to bring you out of trouble and set up the forwards with their play." De Boer agrees. Moisander has the highest pass completion rate followed by Toby Alderweireld. The skilled 'sweeper-keeper' Kenneth Vermeer, in essence acts like an extra outfield player, is integral to their system: recycling possession, keeping circulation of the ball flowing, and re-launching attacks. If an error is made, which is always a possibility, the instruction from De Boer is to always continue. Vertonghen, who played a key role last season – in his own words “effectively as a playmaker" – described De Boer as the best coach he's played under.
The role of the full-backs – essentially auxiliary wingers – enables the adoption of a wide range of formations during any given match (the most common is their 3-1-4-2 and 2-1-4-3) starting in their 4-3-3 they've shown the cleverness to even adopt a 1-3-3-3. Their positional interchange game (a modernised or watered down version of totaalvoetbal) comes naturally, all it takes is one or two to move out of their space, once an area is vacated a teammate would drop in – maintaining the shape – a style of football which De Boer thrived under during his playing days. His aim is 'universality' players comfortable in multiple positions and roles. Example: Christian Eriksen playing in front of the defence and whoever is playing as controller moving into central midfield. The number nine zone especially when De Boer plays with a deep-lying forward is always left vacant. Not quite in the spirit of Rinus Michels but encapsulates a newfound joie de vivre.
There's no secret to De Boer's approach. Jim Collins, wrote the secret of long-term success lies in cultivating a distinctive set of values, this usually means promoting from within and putting down deep local roots. One of the secrets to Ajax's success is how much of their players were moulded within the system in their academy. Daley Blind, often criticised – though undergoing a breakout season – might not be the best left-back around but how many know the 'Ajax way' inside-out? Especially the version De Boer professes.
With the average age of the side in the early 20s De Boer's duties have extended far beyond simply coaching. "As a coach, you're effectively a surrogate dad, so you need to pay attention to everything." Man-management is his biggest strength. Alderweireld commented how "he's the right coach for this club," a thought shared by many of his current and former teammates – who see(n) him as a father figure – many attributing their improvements down to him. "He is authentic," Siem de Jong adds. "I've learned a lot from him," Vertonghen said. "Analysing situations during a game and building attacks. He stands for the old Ajax style, daring football." His greatest achievement is getting his players to buy into his approach without taking away their individuality. "Frank de Boer is like no other," Schöne told NUsport. "His vision is extremely clear and has the gift of keeping everyone content, whether they're on the bench or playing." He's not a totalitarian like Van Gaal though isn't afraid to crack the whip. A typical free thinking Amsterdammer, though born in Hoorn, a fundamentalist in every sense of the word.
De Boer last December celebrated his second anniversary in charge, the sixth coach to reach the milestone since Michels left office in 1971, he continues to improve as a tactician and more importantly as a manager. The most notable is enhancement of their 'positional interchange' game (as explained above). His players now, more so at the start of his tenure, think well under pressure having the mental acumen and foresight to adjust tactics and formation if it's not working. It's still a work in progress, but they're heading in the direction De Boer wants to go, ultimate goal is to dominate the middle third of the pitch making it the norm. The next phase in their evolution most onlookers believe will be – if feasible – a return to their fabled '3-7' formation; Michels used a 3-2-4-1 and later a 1-3-3-3, under Cruyff they played in a 3-3-1-3; it was more of a flexible 3-1-2-3-1 during Van Gaal's era. De Boer in the past has described the 3-4-3 (diamond) formation as a personal favourite.
A third championship on the bounce equals Michels (1966-68) and Van Gaal (1994-96). "I'm incredibly proud of that," he told Voetbal International. "It is a very nice list to be part of," added the 42-year-old. "It is very special to have achieved what they did at this club. When you are compared with people like that, you can only feel proud." He also matches Guus Hiddink (PSV: 1987-89) in winning a title in each of his first three seasons as a manager. When he arrived the club had gone six years without domestic glory their longest run since the 1960s. It would be ended by Michels. De Boer has rightfully been praised. Patrick Kluivert, whom he played alongside at Ajax and Barcelona as well as Oranje – now youth team coach at FC Twente and Van Gaal's assistant with the Dutch national team – described him as the "face of a new generation of coaches," and sees no difference between De Boer the player and manager: "He's an absolute winner, a perfectionist. He leaves nothing to chance, is always well prepared."
Nebojša Gudelj, manager of NAC Breda, was equally full of praise. "For us coaches Frank is an example. He's proven that his vision of football is successful. Not many can say that." Fred Rutten, manager of Vitesse, agrees. "There's only one team in the Netherlands which currently plays attractive football and that is Ajax." Cruyff, whose revolution paved the way for De Boer, couldn't be any more delighted with the way things have gone. "If not for his 'velvet revolution' I would probably have made the steps to become manager now," De Boer said. The legendary 'number 14' attributes Ajax's success largely down to him and his demeanour. Van Basten, now coaching Heerenveen, believes the same. "There are many people at Ajax who try to interfere with all sorts of things, but Frank remains very quiet," he told De Telegraaf. "The power of Ajax is Frank de Boer for me." Another coach of the same opinion is Guus Hiddink: "He's done a good job, separating external issues from his team and guiding them through difficult waters, especially when the club was restless."
"Frank was thrown into the deep end," Van Gaal told Algemeen Dagblad. "After the win against Milan I sent him a text message which read 'this is very promising'. He's taken the time to learn the trade. I find that very good." Morten Olsen, national team manager of Denmark (fell out with De Boer as Ajax manager since buried the hatchet) is a keen observer of the current side with six Danes in the squad. "Frank has brought clarity, you win and lose, but you must play 'football'. The level Ajax enjoys I want the same with Denmark, play offensively with technically good players and entertain the audience." De Boer's aim is to follow in his predecessors footsteps from an ideological point-of-view. Michels, Cruyff and Van Gaal in their respective periods moulded Ajax into their image, leaving a legacy which is still breathlessly spoken of today. Unlike them he's not a trendsetter, but his revolutionary act of re-implementing their ideals – as well as adding a few of his one to combat the tribulations of 21st century life – has given him a chance.
Even though he's been successful in such a short space of time, it's still the beginning, that's still hasn't stopped discussions of him leaving. His performances having gone unnoticed outside the Netherlands, a host of clubs interested in his services, all rebuffed due to family commitments, that aside "there's very little above Ajax". Last summer the board considered offering a life-time contract, this on the back of De Boer outlining his ambition to become the "Ferguson of Ajax," it's unlikely he'll remain for the next quarter of a century, but will for the next three seasons. "If I'm still having fun in 2016 then I will sign for another three years. I will then be on my way to those ten years I spoke about when appointed." According to Johan Derksen, who will soon step down from his role as editor-in-chief of Voetbal International, the only club De Boer would leave for (down the road) is Barça.
This is the first time in more than a decade Ajax have looked stable, no team defined instability better, now along with Feyenoord a model for other Dutch clubs. De Boer, Wim Jonk and Bergkamp (known collectively as the 'technical heart') decide on all manner of technical affairs, issues of youth development and training methods. Marc Overmars (sporting director) and Edwin van der Sar (marketing director) returned to the club giving it a feel of Bayern Munich and you would be right. They are the club Cruyff wants Ajax to be modelled after. In his own words "former players in key roles within the club, supported by specialists in other fields, it’s what Bayern have been doing for years."
A delegation, including financial director Jeroen Slop, visited Munich a few weeks after De Boer took office. Cruyff's friendship with Uli Hoeness helped. "The public has sympathy for the underdog and not big money. Therefore Chelsea and Manchester City are not examples for us, but Bayern Munich instead," Slop told De Telegraaf. "Develop own players, strong commercial arm and former footballers who determine policy." More recently Edwin van der Sar has looked to Borussia Dortmund, especially how the club have turned things around in the last eight years, especially under Jürgen Klopp. "In many ways they are an example," he wrote in De Telegraaf. "They came from a financially difficult period, despite losing top players they've survived through a good youth policy and their budget is in order."
Cruyff believes his structural reorganisation, dubbed 'organised chaos theory', can be the solution and will eventually lead his boyhood club returning to the summit of European football. The same model he introduced at Barça, from the grass roots upwards, has been adopted. De Boer is hopeful. "Whether his vision can lead to a utopia in these times remains to be seen. I believe we can improve the level of our young players."
De Boer's next challenge will be making inroads in Europe, conquering will be difficult, but remaining in the Champions League after winter is a realistic target. "We want to move forward in Europe playing attractive football, if we succeed I'm convinced we can achieve something." In De Boer's mind it comes down to breaking a psychological barrier. Their disadvantage is relative inexperience (more in terms of age). Naivety is often the by-product of a lack of experience especially at the highest level. As Immanuel Kant put it "theory without experience is mere intellectual play." However, it's a process that can be sped up, something that has already started. "Players should not just run with their legs, but with their head as well," Hiddink once said. "They should be conscious of the fact that they constantly have to think during a game. Sometimes players act without thinking. But they have to actively consider how they can break their opponent."
The restoration of intelligence, in the way Ajax play, can be the difference in losing a game or not as well as bridging the gap. Individual mistakes as well as loss of concentration at crucial moments has been the bane of De Boer's existence, especially in Europe, awareness is something he's always preached even as a player. Against the likes of Real Madrid, Dortmund and Manchester United – they've created chances, but failed to capitalise. It's not necessarily technique, but mindset, often as the underdog you rarely expect to be on top. Hence, real challenge, in these games is to overcome a prevailing inferiority complex. De Boer has already preached how his players should not feel unworthy sharing a field with more illustrious names. To combat this former volleyball coach Peter Murphy was hired to improve the mental process of his players, character building is as much as important as skill development, talent is one thing but with a football brain things become more advantageous.
Michels, did exactly the same, his perseverance would be rewarded with a European Cup final in 1969. One they would lose to a robust AC Milan side led by Gianni Rivera, nonetheless the foundations were laid, and they learnt from this setback by winning their first European Cup in 1971. Van Gaal would match his idol – in terms of player development as well as furthering Ajax's brand of football – he would reach two European Cup finals, winning one as well as a UEFA Cup in 1992.
The reality is Ajax are no longer a force, or key player, on the continent even if they remain one of the most admired. "They remind me of Barcelona," Marco Reus told Voetbal International. "I'm a fan of the Dutch way of playing football." His manager Klopp, self-confessed fan of the 'Ajax school', enthusiastically praised De Boer for returning their celebrated model. José Mourinho echoed those sentiments. Another admirer met up with Cruyff in New York last winter, both discussed the strides made by Ajax under De Boer, content with his transformation of the club He was of course Guardiola.
VVV isn't alone, majority of sides they face are willing to concede possession and play in a compact 6-3-1 formation, the general idea is to make the pitch so small, players like Siem de Jong and Christian Eriksen will find it difficult to play their own game. Ajax normally compresses the size of the pitch when chasing possession. In a few games this season they've come unstuck. De Boer, nonetheless, sees it more as his team – in those particular games – missing cleverness and killer instinct in the final third rather than a formation that has found them out, as they've comfortably beaten majority who have chosen this path.
As a former defender par-excellence this is the one area of the pitch De Boer has focused a great deal on. For obvious reasons, his tenets –much of which adopted from his mentors – dictated that Ajax must build from the back. "Cruyff told us that the players with the best ball handling skills should be the defenders," Guardiola said. "As they need to bring you out of trouble and set up the forwards with their play." De Boer agrees. Moisander has the highest pass completion rate followed by Toby Alderweireld. The skilled 'sweeper-keeper' Kenneth Vermeer, in essence acts like an extra outfield player, is integral to their system: recycling possession, keeping circulation of the ball flowing, and re-launching attacks. If an error is made, which is always a possibility, the instruction from De Boer is to always continue. Vertonghen, who played a key role last season – in his own words “effectively as a playmaker" – described De Boer as the best coach he's played under.
The role of the full-backs – essentially auxiliary wingers – enables the adoption of a wide range of formations during any given match (the most common is their 3-1-4-2 and 2-1-4-3) starting in their 4-3-3 they've shown the cleverness to even adopt a 1-3-3-3. Their positional interchange game (a modernised or watered down version of totaalvoetbal) comes naturally, all it takes is one or two to move out of their space, once an area is vacated a teammate would drop in – maintaining the shape – a style of football which De Boer thrived under during his playing days. His aim is 'universality' players comfortable in multiple positions and roles. Example: Christian Eriksen playing in front of the defence and whoever is playing as controller moving into central midfield. The number nine zone especially when De Boer plays with a deep-lying forward is always left vacant. Not quite in the spirit of Rinus Michels but encapsulates a newfound joie de vivre.
There's no secret to De Boer's approach. Jim Collins, wrote the secret of long-term success lies in cultivating a distinctive set of values, this usually means promoting from within and putting down deep local roots. One of the secrets to Ajax's success is how much of their players were moulded within the system in their academy. Daley Blind, often criticised – though undergoing a breakout season – might not be the best left-back around but how many know the 'Ajax way' inside-out? Especially the version De Boer professes.
With the average age of the side in the early 20s De Boer's duties have extended far beyond simply coaching. "As a coach, you're effectively a surrogate dad, so you need to pay attention to everything." Man-management is his biggest strength. Alderweireld commented how "he's the right coach for this club," a thought shared by many of his current and former teammates – who see(n) him as a father figure – many attributing their improvements down to him. "He is authentic," Siem de Jong adds. "I've learned a lot from him," Vertonghen said. "Analysing situations during a game and building attacks. He stands for the old Ajax style, daring football." His greatest achievement is getting his players to buy into his approach without taking away their individuality. "Frank de Boer is like no other," Schöne told NUsport. "His vision is extremely clear and has the gift of keeping everyone content, whether they're on the bench or playing." He's not a totalitarian like Van Gaal though isn't afraid to crack the whip. A typical free thinking Amsterdammer, though born in Hoorn, a fundamentalist in every sense of the word.
De Boer last December celebrated his second anniversary in charge, the sixth coach to reach the milestone since Michels left office in 1971, he continues to improve as a tactician and more importantly as a manager. The most notable is enhancement of their 'positional interchange' game (as explained above). His players now, more so at the start of his tenure, think well under pressure having the mental acumen and foresight to adjust tactics and formation if it's not working. It's still a work in progress, but they're heading in the direction De Boer wants to go, ultimate goal is to dominate the middle third of the pitch making it the norm. The next phase in their evolution most onlookers believe will be – if feasible – a return to their fabled '3-7' formation; Michels used a 3-2-4-1 and later a 1-3-3-3, under Cruyff they played in a 3-3-1-3; it was more of a flexible 3-1-2-3-1 during Van Gaal's era. De Boer in the past has described the 3-4-3 (diamond) formation as a personal favourite.
A third championship on the bounce equals Michels (1966-68) and Van Gaal (1994-96). "I'm incredibly proud of that," he told Voetbal International. "It is a very nice list to be part of," added the 42-year-old. "It is very special to have achieved what they did at this club. When you are compared with people like that, you can only feel proud." He also matches Guus Hiddink (PSV: 1987-89) in winning a title in each of his first three seasons as a manager. When he arrived the club had gone six years without domestic glory their longest run since the 1960s. It would be ended by Michels. De Boer has rightfully been praised. Patrick Kluivert, whom he played alongside at Ajax and Barcelona as well as Oranje – now youth team coach at FC Twente and Van Gaal's assistant with the Dutch national team – described him as the "face of a new generation of coaches," and sees no difference between De Boer the player and manager: "He's an absolute winner, a perfectionist. He leaves nothing to chance, is always well prepared."
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| De Boer is the third Ajax manager to achieve a three-peat. |
Nebojša Gudelj, manager of NAC Breda, was equally full of praise. "For us coaches Frank is an example. He's proven that his vision of football is successful. Not many can say that." Fred Rutten, manager of Vitesse, agrees. "There's only one team in the Netherlands which currently plays attractive football and that is Ajax." Cruyff, whose revolution paved the way for De Boer, couldn't be any more delighted with the way things have gone. "If not for his 'velvet revolution' I would probably have made the steps to become manager now," De Boer said. The legendary 'number 14' attributes Ajax's success largely down to him and his demeanour. Van Basten, now coaching Heerenveen, believes the same. "There are many people at Ajax who try to interfere with all sorts of things, but Frank remains very quiet," he told De Telegraaf. "The power of Ajax is Frank de Boer for me." Another coach of the same opinion is Guus Hiddink: "He's done a good job, separating external issues from his team and guiding them through difficult waters, especially when the club was restless."
"Frank was thrown into the deep end," Van Gaal told Algemeen Dagblad. "After the win against Milan I sent him a text message which read 'this is very promising'. He's taken the time to learn the trade. I find that very good." Morten Olsen, national team manager of Denmark (fell out with De Boer as Ajax manager since buried the hatchet) is a keen observer of the current side with six Danes in the squad. "Frank has brought clarity, you win and lose, but you must play 'football'. The level Ajax enjoys I want the same with Denmark, play offensively with technically good players and entertain the audience." De Boer's aim is to follow in his predecessors footsteps from an ideological point-of-view. Michels, Cruyff and Van Gaal in their respective periods moulded Ajax into their image, leaving a legacy which is still breathlessly spoken of today. Unlike them he's not a trendsetter, but his revolutionary act of re-implementing their ideals – as well as adding a few of his one to combat the tribulations of 21st century life – has given him a chance.
Even though he's been successful in such a short space of time, it's still the beginning, that's still hasn't stopped discussions of him leaving. His performances having gone unnoticed outside the Netherlands, a host of clubs interested in his services, all rebuffed due to family commitments, that aside "there's very little above Ajax". Last summer the board considered offering a life-time contract, this on the back of De Boer outlining his ambition to become the "Ferguson of Ajax," it's unlikely he'll remain for the next quarter of a century, but will for the next three seasons. "If I'm still having fun in 2016 then I will sign for another three years. I will then be on my way to those ten years I spoke about when appointed." According to Johan Derksen, who will soon step down from his role as editor-in-chief of Voetbal International, the only club De Boer would leave for (down the road) is Barça.
This is the first time in more than a decade Ajax have looked stable, no team defined instability better, now along with Feyenoord a model for other Dutch clubs. De Boer, Wim Jonk and Bergkamp (known collectively as the 'technical heart') decide on all manner of technical affairs, issues of youth development and training methods. Marc Overmars (sporting director) and Edwin van der Sar (marketing director) returned to the club giving it a feel of Bayern Munich and you would be right. They are the club Cruyff wants Ajax to be modelled after. In his own words "former players in key roles within the club, supported by specialists in other fields, it’s what Bayern have been doing for years."
A delegation, including financial director Jeroen Slop, visited Munich a few weeks after De Boer took office. Cruyff's friendship with Uli Hoeness helped. "The public has sympathy for the underdog and not big money. Therefore Chelsea and Manchester City are not examples for us, but Bayern Munich instead," Slop told De Telegraaf. "Develop own players, strong commercial arm and former footballers who determine policy." More recently Edwin van der Sar has looked to Borussia Dortmund, especially how the club have turned things around in the last eight years, especially under Jürgen Klopp. "In many ways they are an example," he wrote in De Telegraaf. "They came from a financially difficult period, despite losing top players they've survived through a good youth policy and their budget is in order."
Cruyff believes his structural reorganisation, dubbed 'organised chaos theory', can be the solution and will eventually lead his boyhood club returning to the summit of European football. The same model he introduced at Barça, from the grass roots upwards, has been adopted. De Boer is hopeful. "Whether his vision can lead to a utopia in these times remains to be seen. I believe we can improve the level of our young players."
De Boer's next challenge will be making inroads in Europe, conquering will be difficult, but remaining in the Champions League after winter is a realistic target. "We want to move forward in Europe playing attractive football, if we succeed I'm convinced we can achieve something." In De Boer's mind it comes down to breaking a psychological barrier. Their disadvantage is relative inexperience (more in terms of age). Naivety is often the by-product of a lack of experience especially at the highest level. As Immanuel Kant put it "theory without experience is mere intellectual play." However, it's a process that can be sped up, something that has already started. "Players should not just run with their legs, but with their head as well," Hiddink once said. "They should be conscious of the fact that they constantly have to think during a game. Sometimes players act without thinking. But they have to actively consider how they can break their opponent."
The restoration of intelligence, in the way Ajax play, can be the difference in losing a game or not as well as bridging the gap. Individual mistakes as well as loss of concentration at crucial moments has been the bane of De Boer's existence, especially in Europe, awareness is something he's always preached even as a player. Against the likes of Real Madrid, Dortmund and Manchester United – they've created chances, but failed to capitalise. It's not necessarily technique, but mindset, often as the underdog you rarely expect to be on top. Hence, real challenge, in these games is to overcome a prevailing inferiority complex. De Boer has already preached how his players should not feel unworthy sharing a field with more illustrious names. To combat this former volleyball coach Peter Murphy was hired to improve the mental process of his players, character building is as much as important as skill development, talent is one thing but with a football brain things become more advantageous.
Michels, did exactly the same, his perseverance would be rewarded with a European Cup final in 1969. One they would lose to a robust AC Milan side led by Gianni Rivera, nonetheless the foundations were laid, and they learnt from this setback by winning their first European Cup in 1971. Van Gaal would match his idol – in terms of player development as well as furthering Ajax's brand of football – he would reach two European Cup finals, winning one as well as a UEFA Cup in 1992.
