Youri Baas flags radical tactical shift as Míchel reshapes Ajax

Ajax defender Youri Baas says the club’s new coach Míchel is demanding a completely different approach to building play and pressing, after the side suffered a 1‑3 defeat in a training match against Panathinaikos. He highlighted that the changes require time, as with any new manager, and that Míchel wants Ajax to play very attacking football.

Youri Baas, a defender for Ajax, says the squad is being asked to adopt many new elements under the direction of the newly appointed coach Míchel. He observes many differences in the playing style compared with the previous regime.

The team recently lost a friendly against Greek side Panathinaikos by 1‑3, a result Baas referenced when discussing the tactical shift. The encounter was a closed‑door training session rather than a competitive fixture.

"Míchel wants many new things," Baas said, adding that the coach seeks a completely different way of building up play and applying pressure. He made the comment immediately after the 1‑3 defeat.

Baas noted that the new system demands a lot of thinking and that it will take time to implement, a situation he said is typical for any manager. According to Baas, every coach requires an adjustment period to embed his ideas.

He also emphasized that Míchel wants Ajax to play very attacking football, signalling a clear departure from previous approaches. The shift towards a more offensive mindset could reshape Ajax’s traditional game plan.