Francesco Farioli's Ajax exit explained amid Rangers talks
The Dutch giants were the fourth club of an interesting career to date for the 36-year-old, who hasn't tended to stick around anywhere long including stints at Fatih Karagumruk, Alanyaspor and Nice.
It was the Italian coach the Amsterdam side turned to last summer after a desperately poor campaign had just been completed, finishing a lowly fifth in the Eredivisie.
Farioli brought his progressive style with him and restored plenty of pride, having them sitting pretty at the top of the table by March.
However, a late collapse saw them waste a nine-point lead over PSV, who ended up champions.
Roberto de Zerbi's former coach was not sacked and instead took the decision to step away, described as 'incredibly disappointing' by technical director Alex Kroes.
Describing the reasons behind his departure, Farioli said at the time: "The management and I have the same goals for the future of Ajax, but we have different visions and timeframes about the way we should work and operate to achieve those goals.
Read more: Rangers hold discussions with ex-Ajax boss as new name enters the frame
"Given these differences in the principles and foundations of the project, I feel deep in my heart that this is the best moment to part ways."
Kroes praised the departing boss and insisted he had achieved the stated aim of qualifying for the Champions League.
"Francesco also played a key role in enhancing the high-performance culture at Ajax, for which we are extremely grateful," said the technical director.
"This summer was already set to be a challenging transfer window, and it has now become even more so. It is up to us to ensure that a strong new coaching team is in place when pre-season preparations begin on 26 June."
At a later date, Farioli was then quizzed about his plans for the future.
'There's a lot of speculation, a lot of rumours,' he said. 'But I do want to get back into coaching. Just like it was with Ajax, I don't care about the brand or the size of the club. What matters to me is how things are done, and last summer Ajax was exactly what I was looking for.
'It was the right step for my career, and now we'll see what comes next. We'll see if and when that opportunity arrives.
'I'm a very demanding person. Before I join a club, I lay all my strengths and weaknesses on the table. 'Demanding' is probably the best word to describe me. I want to find a club that's willing to fight alongside me.'
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