Cruyff's Golden Age

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Lore & Background

In his second match, Cruyff scored on his home debut against PSV Eindhoven, though the team nearly faced relegation after a crushing 9-4 loss to Feyenoord. The arrival of Rinus Michels in January 1965 changed everything. Michels, nicknamed 'De Generaal,' imposed iron discipline, requiring three daily training sessions and banning secondary jobs like Cruyff's work at a printing company. While Cruyff initially hated the rigid runs and hid in the woods, this professionalization fueled their success. The team won six Eredivisie titles and three European Cups during Cruyff's first stint. The era culminated with the 1973 European Cup victory before Cruyff moved to FC Barcelona, ending his initial chapter at the club where he had joined on his tenth birthday.

In Their Own Story

When Vic Buckingham was dismissed in January 1965 after a string of poor results, the management turned to the 36-year-old Rinus Michels. The former sports teacher for deaf children began radical steps to professionalize the squad, turning part-time players into full-time professionals funded by sponsors seeking to clear their names from the war era. Cruyff, once a 'jack-of-all-trades' who preferred baseball until age fifteen, adapted to this new regime despite his aversion to the strict training camps. The team's identity solidified around Michels' philosophy and Cruyff's genius. They secured six league titles and three European Cups, establishing an image of Ajax with a distinct 'Jewish flair.' This period also saw Cruyff anglicize his surname for international recognition, even as he retained the Dutch spelling in his homeland.

Reader's Guide

To understand this era, one must look at the transition from amateurism to professionalism. Michels demanded total commitment, ending players' other jobs and enforcing a rigorous schedule that included evening practice matches. Cruyff, who had repeated two school years and showed inconsistent academic performance, found his focus in this structure. The tactical shift involved players like Cruyff moving freely across the pitch, dismantling traditional positions. This approach led to three European Cups and an Intercontinental Cup. Even after leaving for Barcelona in 1973, Cruyff returned to Ajax in 1981, winning two more Eredivisie titles before his final departure to rivals Feyenoord.

Did You Know?

• Cruyff joined the Ajax youth system on his tenth birthday without a formal trial, spotted by coach Jany van der Veen.
• As a youth, Cruyff preferred baseball and only quit at age fifteen after being urged to do so by his coaches.
• Rinus Michels was nicknamed 'De Generaal' ('The General') by players due to his iron discipline and requirement for three daily training sessions.
• Cruyff anglicized his last name internationally, though he remained known as Cruijff in the Netherlands.
• In 1965, Ajax was close to relegation after a 9-4 defeat to Feyenoord before Michels took over.