Graham Potter has turned down the opportunity to manage Ajax following talks with the club.
The former Chelsea and Brighton boss was top of Ajax’s list for their next manager but after talks with the club, Potter declined the offer and felt now was not the best time to coach the Dutch club.
The record Eredivisie champions have been enduring a torrid campaign, recently losing 6-0 to fierce rivals Feyenoord and sitting sixth in the table, 33 points off league leaders PSV. They were also dumped out of the Europa Conference League by Aston Villa last month following a 4-0 drubbing.
John van’t Schip has taken interim charge of the club following the sacking of Maurice Steijn in October after a dismal start to the campaign. There is also turmoil off the pitch, with Ajax’s new CEO Alex Kroes being suspended after indications that he engaged in insider trading.
Embed from Getty ImagesAjax, who have been dealing with horrendous results, two managerial sackings and fan protests, said they intend to terminate his contract. Given the uncertainty at the club, Potter may have been put off by joining.
Sky Sports News reported in December that Potter was expected to be high on Manchester United’s shortlist of managerial candidates if they decided to part ways with Erik ten Hag this summer.
The 48-year-old has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023.
