Tolu Arokodare has offered an insight into the personality of Ajax coach Míchel Sánchez, describing a relationship that he says is far more complex than outsiders might imagine.
The Nigerian striker spoke about the manager after his decisive contribution to Ajax’s 1–0 victory over AZ Alkmaar on Saturday, providing an account of their working relationship at a time when questions had emerged over the coach’s assessment of his performances.
Reports had suggested that Míchel was unhappy with aspects of Arokodare’s display during the club’s 2–1 victory over Sparta Rotterdam, particularly his pressing and movement.
That background made the forward’s comments during an interview with ESPN after the AZ encounter particularly interesting.
“Believe me when I say that you will never understand what kind of relationship I have with the coach. And not just me, but almost every player,” he said, as quoted by Voetbal International.
“The bond is very dynamic, not in a negative way. You really wouldn’t believe what we all do during the meetings, in terms of match footage and things like that.”
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Arokodare’s description suggested that Míchel’s intensity should not be mistaken for personal hostility.
The former Genk forward portrayed the Spanish tactician as someone whose emotions are driven by an unwillingness to accept defeat, even in the less consequential moments of training.
“He is a very passionate and emotional man who doesn’t like losing. Not even when he joins in a rondo. But he does it all out of love; he really doesn’t want to hurt you. I am completely open to learning. That is the mentality needed to grow.”
The comments offer a different perspective on the criticism surrounding Arokodare’s performances.
Rather than presenting the manager’s demands as a source of conflict, the striker described them as part of an environment in which players are expected to learn and improve.
His willingness to embrace that approach also reflects the importance he places on developing under a coach who does not hide his emotions.
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Beyond the intensity that supporters see on the touchline, Arokodare revealed that the Ajax manager has a humorous side that often emerges during team meetings.
The Nigerian suggested that the contrast between Míchel’s serious public image and his personality around the players is considerable.
“He can also be very funny during meetings; everyone is in stitches. You only see the serious Míchel, but he is genuinely funny. He is very serious and passionate but can also suddenly become very lighthearted. He brings joy to this group, which is very important. His English has also improved a lot.”
It is an account that presents a more rounded picture of the coach, whose demanding standards appear to coexist with an ability to create an enjoyable atmosphere within the squad.
Arokodare’s goals are strengthening his position
The interview followed another important contribution from the Nigerian, who scored the only goal as Ajax defeated AZ at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
Arokodare headed home Abdellah Ouazane’s cross in the ninth minute, taking his tally to 10 goals in 15 appearances across all competitions since joining the Dutch club on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2026. He has also registered three assists during that spell.
The milestone placed him alongside Steven Bergwijn, who also needed 15 appearances to reach his first 10 goals for Ajax after joining the club in 2022.
As previously reported by TheAthleticNG, no other Ajax player in the past decade had matched that achievement in as few appearances.
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