In the aftermath of a rocky season, Ajax looked to Sven Mislintat to stabilise and rejuvenate their squad. However, the club is now grappling with internal challenges largely owing to Mislintat’s solitary way of managing things.

The situation has raised questions about governance and teamwork within the club as they look ahead to future seasons and has also shone light on his exit at Arsenal.

COLOGNE, GERMANY - AUGUST 28: Sven Mislintat, sporting direvctor of Stuttgart sits on the bench prior to the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Köln and VfB Stuttgart at RheinEnergieStadion on August 28, 2022 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
COLOGNE, GERMANY – AUGUST 28: Sven Mislintat, sporting direvctor of Stuttgart sits on the bench prior to the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Köln and VfB Stuttgart at RheinEnergieStadion on August 28, 2022 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Sven Mislintat left Arsenal barely a year after he arrived and the reasons for his exit have largely been kept under wraps. Now, with events in Amsterdam, including an investigation into transfer dealings, we perhaps get a clearer view of why he was forced out of North London.

In the wake of a tumultuous season, Ajax sought to regain control over their squad’s composition. Their hope rested on the shoulders of Sven Mislintat, a figure known for his open-minded, intelligent approach to football management. However, the club would soon find itself entangled in a crisis, largely due to Mislintat’s ‘lone wolf’ style of operation.

Ajax‘s decision to bring in Sven Mislintat was met with anticipation and optimism. The renowned football scout and executive had previously worked with top clubs, including Arsenal, and his reputation for unearthing talent was well-established. Ajax‘s top brass believed that Mislintat could steer the ship towards a brighter future.

However, the euphoria surrounding Mislintat’s arrival quickly dissipated as his modus operandi became clear. He displayed a strong inclination towards making unilateral decisions, often sidelining the input of key figures within the club. This approach raised alarm bells within the organisation, as it hindered the establishment of a cohesive strategy for the team.

Sven Mislintat via Arsenal.com
Sven Mislintat via Arsenal.com

One of the most significant challenges Ajax faced was the lack of transparency regarding Mislintat’s activities behind the scenes. His reported reluctance to share vital information with the club’s decision-makers left them in the dark about crucial developments, transfers, and recruitment strategies. This lack of insight disrupted the club’s ability to plan for the future effectively.

Ajax‘s decision to entrust Mislintat with extensive authority over player recruitment proved to be a double-edged sword. While his expertise in identifying talent was undeniable, his insular working style led to a lack of cohesion and communication within the club. Key stakeholders found themselves increasingly disconnected from the decision-making process, creating a rift that was challenging to bridge.

In conclusion, Ajax‘s decision to bring in Sven Mislintat promised much but ultimately led to a crisis due to his isolated working style.