Louis van Gaal, 75 years old, stepped down as an advisor to Ajax's Board of Directors in July. He felt his influence as an advisor was limited at Ajax, as his input was not being taken into account. Van Gaal was initially approached by Michael van Praag to take on the role, but soon realised that his advice was not being implemented after van Praag stopped as interim chairman of the Board of Directors.
Van Gaal stated that he faced increasing resistance from within the club, with well-intentioned individuals trying to persuade him to remain as an advisor. However, he felt that his influence was minimal and that he was not being taken seriously. Van Gaal's advice was not taken into account by Ajax after van Praag stopped as interim chairman of the Board of Directors.
Van Gaal feels that his departure from Ajax is a reflection of the club's lack of value for his expertise and experience. He stated, "I find football experience within an organisation very important. You would expect a trainer to do something with that experience or for a technical director to seek contact with you. That didn't happen. I therefore think that I am not valued by Ajax."