{"product_id":"glorious-reinvention-the-rebirth-of-ajax-amsterdam-9781801500692","title":"Glorious Reinvention: The Rebirth of Ajax Amsterdam","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eAfter a 2-0 loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League group stage in November 2010, Johan Cruyff criticized his former club, Ajax, for losing their identity and being left behind by modern football. He wanted Ajax to rely on their academy and bring former players back to the club. This was dubbed the \"velvet revolution\" and led to Ajax's resurgence, reaching a Europa League final and a Champions League semi-final with an exquisite style of football. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 272 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 18 April 2022\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Pitch Publishing Ltd\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGlorious Reinvention is the captivating tale of Ajax's remarkable journey back to the forefront of European football. In November 2010, following a disappointing 2-0 loss in the Champions League group stage to Real Madrid, Johan Cruyff, the legendary Dutch coach, penned a scathing newspaper column criticizing his former club. He expressed his belief that Ajax had lost its way, strayed from its identity, and fallen behind the modern advancements of football. Determined to bring about change, Cruyff envisioned a return to the club's roots, relying on its academy and bringing former Ajax players back into key positions of authority. This transformative movement, known as the \"velvet revolution,\" was characterized by a peaceful coup that would propel Ajax back to the pinnacle of competition. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeveral years later, the fruits of Cruyff's vision began to manifest. Ajax, now under the guidance of former club greats like Edwin van der Sar and Marc Overmars, seamlessly blended the techniques of the past with contemporary elements. Their style of play was a testament to their dedication to innovation and their commitment to playing an exquisite brand of football. The side reached remarkable heights, securing a place in the Europa League final and reaching the Champions League semi-final, showcasing their prowess on the global stage. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eCruyff's influence on Ajax's revival was profound. His vision for the club aligned with his belief in the power of youth and the importance of nurturing talent within the academy. By reintroducing former Ajax players to key positions, he ensured a sense of continuity and familiarity, which helped the team maintain its identity and core values. The combination of old and new, combined with a commitment to playing an attractive brand of football, propelled Ajax to new heights and re-established them as a force to be reckoned with in European football. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eGlorious Reinvention serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Johan Cruyff and his unwavering commitment to the sport. It reminds us that football is not just about results, but about the journey, the evolution, and the pursuit of excellence. Ajax's journey serves as an inspiration to all, demonstrating that with vision, determination, and a commitment to playing the beautiful game, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 222 x 144 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781801500692\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Karan Tejwani","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":44101310120186,"sku":"9781801500692","price":10.1,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1650631492162_book.jpg?v=1650747049","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/glorious-reinvention-the-rebirth-of-ajax-amsterdam-9781801500692","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}