Anouk Bruil is the new coach of the Ajax women’s football team. For the past three seasons, she was an assistant coach in Amsterdam.
The appointment of Bruil is surprising. The 31-year-old coach has not previously been in charge in professional football. Before her time at Ajax, she was a coach of the reserves at sc Heerenveen and assistant to the first team, which also plays in the Women’s Eredivisie.
“Anouk is a talented and enthusiastic coach with enormous dedication,” explains technical director Alex Kroes, who is standing in for the absent Daphne Koster. “She is well acquainted with the squad, other staff members and the overall culture within the club.”
Kroes does not think that Bruil is too inexperienced for the head coach position at Ajax. “Ajax stands for giving opportunities to young, ambitious and talented people, and that is how we see Anouk. We are confident that Anouk can take our team further.”
Bruil is “really looking forward to” the challenge in Amsterdam. “In recent weeks I have had good conversations with the management and I didn’t have to think long when I was asked if I wanted to become head coach of the first team.”
Ajax, under the leadership of Hesterine de Reus, has had a disappointing season. The club missed out on the national title and qualification for the main tournament of the Champions League. Ajax therefore decided to part ways with De Reus earlier, who also caused some controversy with some statements.