Ajax have confirmed that Club Brugge boss Alfred Schreuder will replace Manchester United -bound Erik ten Hag as their new head coach.
The 49-year-old, whose only senior managerial post was a short spell with FC Twente has signed a contract with the Amsterdam club which runs until 2024, where the option of an extra year can be activated. Schreuder was previously Ten Hag's assistant from January 2018 until 2019, helping Ajax reach the semi-finals of the Champions League as well as winning a league and cup double.
Incoming United manager Ten Hag took charge of his final home match on Wednesday evening, as his side hammered Heerenveen 5-0 to wrap up his third Eredivisie title in four completed seasons with the club. Now Schreuder will be tasked with building on his glitter legacy, saying in a statement: "Becoming head coach at Ajax is an honor and a great opportunity, that I will grab with both hands. I'm also excited to return here, because I enjoyed the one and a half years I've worked at Ajax very much.
"I wish to win prizes here in Amsterdam, with a team that plays attractive football. With a good balance between experienced top players and very big talents. But first I want to end the season with Club Brugge successfully. I want to say goodbye with a title, that is very important to me and I will do my absolute best to accomplish that."
Ajax chief executive Edwin van der Sar added: "We know Alfred as a tactically strong coach with good and versatile exercise material. These last years he has gained experience as a head coach and as assistant coach at top clubs in various countries and competitions.
"We have a lot of faith that he will give a good continuation to the path we have chosen at Ajax these last years. In both the Eredivisie and the UEFA Champions League."
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"I'm also happy that we now have clarity concerning this important position within the club. The selection of the first team will also be shaped in the coming period. Gerry Hamstra and Klaas Jan Huntelaar, who also spoke to Alfred, are working very hard on that matter."
After waving goodbye ahead of Sunday's trip to Vitesse on the final day of the season, Ten Hag told Voetbal International: "It felt like a difficult but great challenge. That is the most beautiful thing there is. There is something to build at United and something to gain. Manchester United is such a big name in football history. It feels like a challenge to put the club back on track of winning.
"Old Trafford is nicknamed the Theatre of Dreams for a reason. It is a club with name, fame and allure in international football. Everyone knows the history of the beautiful teams. From Sir Alex Ferguson of course, but also further back in time. The great team of the late fifties, which suddenly disappeared with the plane crash."
