Former Inter Milan star could return to Ajax as assistant coach to OGC Nice’s Francesco Farioli

Former Romanian international Cristian Chivu has been offered a coaching position at Ajax Amsterdam, where he previously played, Soccernet.football reports.

Currently the youth coach at Serie A champions Inter Milan, Chivu has attracted multiple offers this season.

Chivu began his coaching career with Inter’s U14 team and is now the head coach of their U19 team. He is seen as ready to step up to a senior team role.

According to Linterista.it, Chivu is considering starting his senior coaching career at Ajax. The offer from Ajax is for the role of assistant coach, with a promise to promote him to head coach from the 2026-2027 season.

The club plans significant changes following a poor season and is expected to appoint OGC Nice’s Francesco Farioli as head coach, with Chivu as his deputy.

Ajax finished fifth in the Eredivisie and engaged the services of four tacticians during the campaign, including Maurice Steijn, Hedwiges Maduro, John van ‘t Schip, and Michael Valkanis.

A new coaching crew is to be set up as Ajax aim to return to the top of the Dutch football and the combination of Farioli and Chivu could get the Amsterdammers flying again.

Chivu, who made his professional breakthrough at Ajax, played 107 matches and scored 13 goals for the Dutch club, winning the league title and the Dutch Cup. He then moved to AS Roma in 2003, where he became captain and a fan favourite.

Later, he joined Inter Milan, winning the Champions League in 2010. Over his career, Chivu made 200 appearances in Italy and played 50 Champions League matches. He retired after a successful career with top European teams.