Ajax has appointed Óscar García as its new head coach, replacing Fred Grim following a 3-1 defeat to FC Groningen on March 10, 2026. The move comes as new leadership takes the helm at the Dutch club, with Jordi Cruijff playing a key role in the decision.
García’s appointment was swift, coming after a direct call from Cruijff, a testament to the long-standing relationship between the Cruijff family and the Spanish coach. He previously managed Jong Ajax before stepping up to the first team.
The 52-year-old García began his playing career at FC Barcelona in 1993, debuting in Johan Cruijff’s famed “Dream Team” that had recently won the European Cup I. He remained with Barcelona until 1999, playing alongside Jordi Cruijff and later under Louis van Gaal.
García later returned to Barcelona as a coach, working within La Masia, the club’s youth academy, and too served as an assistant to Johan Cruijff with the Catalan national team. He shared his insights on the influence of Cruijff, stating, “What I had learned from Johan Cruijff, I could not preserve to myself.”
Addressing recent speculation, García firmly denied suggestions that his move to Ajax was pre-planned, stating, “That is not true. As head coach, I would not want someone to be eyeing my position, so I would never do that to someone else.” This statement, reported by Voetbalzone, clarifies his position regarding the club’s leadership structure.
García expressed his ambition to quickly impact Ajax’s performance, acknowledging the team’s current fifth-place standing in the league. “The players must give everything for the logo, for the fans and the club, because we don’t want to see Ajax in fifth place,” he said. Ajax will return to action on Saturday, March 21, 2026, hosting Sparta Rotterdam at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
Ronald de Boer, speaking to ESPN.nl, noted similarities between García’s approach and that of Pep Guardiola, suggesting a rapid implementation of ideas.
A press conference with García is scheduled for Friday, March 13, 2026, and will be broadcast live on Ajax.nl.
