E197: Edwin Van De Sar

E197 - "It’s f***ing hard" - his final interview as Ajax CEO

In this interview, we welcome Edwin Van De Sar. The man who went from player to CEO, who won four Eredivisie titles, four Premier League Crowns and the Champions League, among many other accolades in his career. We recorded this in a hotel room overlooking the Johann Croix Arena in Amsterdam, the home of Ajax Football Club.

Edwin, at the time of recording, was the Chief Executive of the football club. He walked into the room and I said to him, “how are things?” The reply was a one word swear word. Immediately it was clear to us that pressure was taking its toll on this guy. We then spoke at length about the truth of what life's like at the top of a football club. We talk about the scrutiny, we talk about the criticism, the questions, the pain and the impact on his family.

Of course, we also talk about his playing days. What he learned at Manchester United, what it was like in that great Ajax team. Some of the challenges he faced as a Holland International and the great players he's played with. A couple of days after the conversation, it was announced that Edwin had decided to quit as the CEO Ajax. So this now lives as the final interview that he gave as the CEO. I think that we will now listen to it with fresh ears, with an even deeper understanding of the challenges that he was under. Enjoy! Love, Jake