KURT LINDER, who won the title with Johan Cruyff at Ajax, has passed away at the age of 89.
The former German manager won the Eredivisie in the 1981/82 season alongside Dutch legend Cruyff and talents such as Marco van Basten and Frank Rijkaard.
A statement on Ajax’s website confirmed the tragic news of his passing.
It read: “Ajax was shocked on Monday by the news about the death of former head coach Kurt Linder.
“The German was active as a trainer in Amsterdam in two periods.
“Linder experienced varying degrees of success in his Ajax period; his highlight was the beautiful national championship of the 1981/1982 season.”
Ajax listed off his accolades away from Ajax as well, including saving PSV from relegation.
His management style was described as “harsh and clear” by the club, a tag Linder himself admitted was true when things were not going well.
Upon being appointed at Ajax, he said: “I have the reputation of being a hard coach, but that is only the case if the results are not forthcoming.
“Until that moment I can turn a blind eye to a lot, but after that I am indeed merciless. I then look for the causes and they are often obvious.
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“I have absolutely no problem with that, because unlike a player I represent the whole club, while a footballer often only thinks in his own street.”
In his playing days Linder represented the likes of BSC Young Boys, Rapid Vienna and Lyon.
Tributes poured in for Linder following the news.
Former club Young Boys said on their Twitter page: “YB mourns Kurt Linder, champion player from 1957 and coach of the cup winning team from 1977 💛🖤”
Linder retired from coaching after his second stint at Ajax concluded in 1988.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
