Graham Potter ‘rejects Ajax because he feels the project is not right’ – with Man United boss Erik ten Hag still one of the leading contenders to take over at his former club.
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Graham Potter has reportedly turned down the opportunity to manage Ajax, potentially leaving the door open for Erik ten Hag if he leaves Manchester United.
Potter, 50, had emerged as one of the leading candidates to take over at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Ajax sit fifth in the Eredivisie table and have been looked after by caretaker coach John van’t Schip since the dismissal of Maurice Steijn in October.
However, he rejected their offers because he believes the project does not suit him, according to The Athletic.
Mail Sport reported a few weeks ago that former manager Ten Hag would be Ajax’s first choice if available.
Graham Potter has reportedly turned down the opportunity to take over at beleaguered Ajax.
Man United boss Erik Ten Hag is Ajax’s preferred option if he becomes available this summer.
He left the Dutch giants for Old Trafford in 2022 but is in danger.
Manchester United part-owner Erik ten Hag could pull the trigger after the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25.
In the round of 16 of the Premier League, the Red Devils are on track to experience their worst result since the 1989-90 season.
Ten Hag was hailed as the Netherlands’ next big thing at Ajax, winning three league titles and two KNVB Cups during a five-year stay.
He also led them to the Champions League semi-finals in 2018-19, where they were knocked out by a remarkable Lucas Moura-inspired comeback at Tottenham.
Potter has been unemployed since being fired by Chelsea in April 2023.
Todd Boehly only gave him 31 games after luring him from Brighton with the promise of time to manage a long-term project.
A £600 million spending spree the previous summer, when Thomas Tuchel was still in charge, signaled Boehly’s high ambitions, and a five-year contract held promise for Potter.
Ajax, fifth in the Eredivisie, has been led by interim coach John van’t Schip since October
Potter has been out of work since being sold by Chelsea in April last year.
However, he was unable to achieve the same success as at Ostersunds, Swansea and Brighton, and has been waiting for the right opportunity ever since.
It’s perhaps no surprise that the Ajax project doesn’t appeal to him. The usually imperious Dutch club are 35 points behind Eredivisie leaders PSV and have had a completely miserable season.
