Francesco Farioli has found a new challenge after his departure from Ajax. The Italian coach will work at FC Porto. He has signed for two seasons in Portugal.
The 36-year-old Farioli had been linked with the club from Porto for some time. “Hello Francesco, welcome to your new home,” FC Porto writes on Sunday confirming his arrival.
Before the club could appoint him, MartÃn Anselmi had to be fired first. That happened on Tuesday evening. Shortly after Anselmi’s departure, Farioli was spotted with a Porto scarf around his neck.
Because Farioli’s arrival was only completed after July 1, Ajax is left empty-handed. The buyout clause that Farioli had in his contract with the Amsterdam club expired on July 1.
Farioli announced in May, shortly after the end of the season, that he would be leaving Ajax. He did so despite a continuing contract in the Johan Cruijff ArenA. The coach spoke of a difference of opinion with the board.
Farioli was the first foreign coach at Ajax this century. He seemed to surprisingly lead the club to the championship in his debut season, but things went wrong in the last weeks. PSV benefited and took the title with a one-point lead over Ajax.
FC Porto finished third in the league last season and will therefore not play in the Champions League. Before his period at Ajax, Farioli was coach of OGC Nice and worked in Turkey.
The presentation of Farioli is on Monday.