Francesco Farioli, the revolutionary football coach, is making headlines as he prepares to lead Ajax in the Europa League. At just 35 years old, Farioli has already carved out a name for himself in the world of football, previously shining at Nice and now embracing the rich history of Ajax.
Reflecting on his unique journey, Farioli shared insights with AS into how his background as a goalkeeping coach has influenced his style of play. “It affects a lot, of course,” he explained. “The general approach and understanding of the game, but also specific areas: biomechanics, movements, etc. The phrase ‘the goalkeeper is just another player’ has always been present in my mind and has greatly impacted how I see football today.”
Farioli’s academic background in philosophy also plays a significant role in his coaching philosophy. “What I obtained from my university studies is a way of thinking, of constantly questioning things,” he said. This mindset allows him to blend experiences from various fields to create innovative football strategies.
His rise to prominence began with an article he wrote analyzing the tactics of Foggia while he was coaching at Lucchese. “I thought that Foggia deserved to be analyzed because they were doing very good things,” he recalled. This article eventually led to a conversation with renowned coach Roberto De Zerbi, which marked the beginning of his coaching career.
When discussing his influences, Farioli cited Pep Guardiola as “the master of modern football,” while also recognizing Carlo Ancelotti as somewhat underrated. “Guardiola has a great impact on me and all coaches around the world,” he stated. “But Ancelotti is evolving with football; he’s humble and always gives credit to his players.”
As he takes charge at Ajax, Farioli emphasized the club’s historical playing philosophy. “Only two clubs have maintained this type of DNA: Barcelona and Ajax,” he remarked. “The legacy of Cruyff is there. It’s a great privilege for me to work in a club with this history.”
Farioli believes that technology has transformed football significantly. “One of the reasons football has changed so much in recent years is related to how many people are involved in studying the game,” he explained. “Technology allows us to objectify ideas and get immediate feedback.”
He sees football as cyclical, likening it to Hegel’s thesis, antithesis, and synthesis. “The new synthesis is what we have today; there will always be something that remains constant while other aspects evolve,” he noted.
On his tactical approach, Farioli expressed enthusiasm for high pressing: “We love putting pressure on the opponent’s half. We were one of the teams in Europe with the most goals initiated in the opposing half.” He acknowledged that while Ajax traditionally values possession, adaptability is crucial when facing different opponents.
Farioli’s commitment to player development is evident in his coaching philosophy. “The goal is to help them become better players and better human beings,” he stated, highlighting his dedication to creating value through individual development within a collective framework.
