• Former Man United boss Louis van Gaal has rejoined Ajax as an advisor  
  • The Dutch giants are engufled in a crisis after a chaotic start to the campaign 
  • Click HERE to listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s ‘It’s All Kicking Off’ 

Ajax have hired their former head coach Louis van Gaal as an adviser, the Dutch club said on Tuesday, as they look to end a string of disappointing results.

The Dutch outfit are in 15th place in the Eredivisie table, and have not won a match since the opening weekend, despite spending over £86million on new players in the close-season.

Ajax finished third last season and failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 13 seasons.

Van Gaal, 72, won three league championships and the 1995 Champions League as head coach of the Amsterdam side between 1991 and 1997.

‘I want to help Ajax,’ the Dutchman said in a statement on the club’s website. 

Former Man United boss Louis van Gaal has rejoined his old club Ajax in an advisor role

Former Man United boss Louis van Gaal has rejoined his old club Ajax in an advisor role

The Dutchman vowed to help his side get 'back to the top' after a chaotic start to the season

The Dutchman vowed to help his side get ‘back to the top’ after a chaotic start to the season

‘I currently spend a big part of my life in Portugal, and this can be well combined with my role as an external advisor. I am willing to offer my football knowledge to the Supervisory Board, especially when Leo van Wijk and Michael van Praag are appointed. We must find our sportive way back up to the top, and we all have to contribute to that.’ 

Last week, Ajax fired their director of football Sven Mislintat, who had only been appointed in May, in a bid to quell unrest in and around the club due to their disappointing results.

Mislintat’s dismissal came hours after their home game against Feyenoord had to be abandoned when fans started rioting as Ajax went 3-0 down.

Ajax ultimately lost the match 4-0 when the remainder was played last Wednesday.

Van Gaal is currently battling prostate cancer

He won three titles and the 1995 Champions League title at Ajax between 1991 and 1997

Van Gaal, who is currently battling prostate cancer, won three titles and the 1995 Champions League title at Ajax between 1991 and 1997

Ajax’s away match against RKC Waalwijk last Saturday was also abandoned a few minutes from time, after RKC goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen was knocked out in a clash with an opposing player – with Ajax leading 3-2.

During a 30-year career as a coach, Van Gaal also managed Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester United and finished third with the Dutch national team at the 2014 World Cup.

Van Gaal’s appointment came after former Ajax midfielder Rafael van der Vaart tipped the veteran manager to return to the club to give them guidance despite his current ill health.

‘His health does not allow him to have a full-time job. So in principle that is a no,’ he said last week.

Ajax fans threw flares on the pitch during their game with Feyenord with the fixture suspended at 3-0 down - before losing the resumed game 4-0

Ajax fans threw flares on the pitch during their game with Feyenord with the fixture suspended at 3-0 down – before losing the resumed game 4-0

‘But he can certainly give advice. He understands football. In my opinion he is the ideal man to help save Ajax.’ 

To continue Ajax’s troubles, chief Pier Eringa also stepped down from his role last week after six months in the role – just hours before Ajax resumed their abandoned clash against Feyenoord.

‘Especially when things are not going well, I think one should be there as a supervisor,’ announced Eringa.

‘But I am not deaf to criticism, and I am not blind to the situation Ajax is in right now. Due to that reason, I have decided to make room for a new chairperson. 

‘I have fought hard for the club. I will continue to follow Ajax as a fan and wish Ajax’s sporting successes will soon reach the desired level again.’ 

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Post source: Daily mail

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