Míchel, 50, left Girona last week after failing to avoid relegation with the Catalan club. Girona drew 1-1 against Elche at Estadi Montilivi on the final matchday, sealing a 19th-place finish and an exit from the Spanish top tier after a four-year stay.
In Amsterdam, the Madrid-born Míchel joins former Barcelona director Jordi Cruyff, who was appointed as Ajax's technical director in February 2026.
Míchel spoke about joining Ajax in a club statement.
"It feels good to be here; I am proud to take this next step in my career. Ajax is a big name in Europe, a club that has always produced young, talented players," the Spaniard said.
"Jordi (Cruyff) knows me from my work in Spain, and we have spoken together about the club’s philosophy, about how I work and how that fits in. He has expressed full confidence in me, and together with the other people within the club, we are starting a new challenge. The aim is to get Ajax back to where it belongs, and I have every confidence that we will succeed."
Cruyff commended Míchel's work in Spain in the club statement. "Míchel is an ambitious and demanding coach. I am convinced he will instil his vision and his intensive way of working within our squad.
"I know him well and have followed him for many years. His approach fits Ajax. The fact that he has worked at the same club in La Liga for five seasons says a lot about both his qualities and his loyalty. Now that this key position has been filled, we can continue building towards strengthening the squad."
Club in turmoil
At Ajax, Míchel takes over after a tumultuous year in Amsterdam. Ajax finished fifth in the Eredivisie with 56 points, the club's joint-lowest tally since 1962.
John Heitinga was appointed on May 31st, but was fired in November following a string of disappointing results. Interim manager Fred Grim took over, but was demoted again in March, after which former Barcelona forward Óscar García took over.
Ajax won just five of their ten games under García's tutelage, but clinched a spot in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers after beating FC Utrecht on penalties in the play-off final.
Míchel is the first big move of technical director Jordi Cruyff, who took over from Alex Kroes in February. Cruyff, the son of Ajax great Johan Cruyff, is planning a complete overhaul of the team, with the Dutchman intent on getting 10 to 15 new players to Amsterdam.
Success with Girona
Míchel joined Girona in 2021 and immediately won promotion to LaLiga in his first season in charge. In the club's second season in LaLiga, Míchel and Girona qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history. Míchel was named LaLiga Manager of the Season following this historic success with the Blanquivermells.
Míchel leaves the club as the manager with the second-most matches led in its history (221) and second-most wins (91).
Girona fans criticised Míchel, whose side failed to win any of their last eight league games, for being distracted by a potential move to Ajax amid a heated relegation battle.
