Bertrand Traoré has described his recent season at Ajax Amsterdam as the finest of his career, marking a remarkable turnaround that saw the Burkinabé forward rediscover form, fitness and confidence while helping drive the Eredivisie club back into the Champions League.
The 29-year-old, who had contemplated retirement not long ago, credited his resurgence to the guidance of Ajax manager Francesco Farioli. Speaking to Voetbal International, Traoré said: “Last season was the best of my career because I managed to avoid injuries throughout the season.
This is thanks to Francesco Farioli, who is one of the best coaches I’ve had. Ajax must always be in contention for the title. This club belongs in the Champions League and must be competitive there.”
A New Lease of Career
Traoré’s campaign saw a notable shift in tone. For the first time in years, he completed an entire season injury-free—an achievement he attributes largely to Farioli’s training methods and role management.
That fitness consistency allowed him to make 32 Eredivisie starts, contributing six goals and five assists in a fluid attacking midfield role.
Traoré’s offensive output was crucial to Ajax’s return to Europe’s premier club competition—a goal that had eluded the team in previous years.
His accurate decision-making, refined finishing, and eye for creative passes proved integral in high-stakes scenarios, both domestically and in cup competition.
Coach’s Impact on Player Revival
The forward singled out Farioli for special praise, highlighting the Italian tactician’s structured training sessions and patient approach.
“He knows how to manage players physically and mentally,” Traoré explained. “He gave me confidence, allowed me to express myself on the pitch and helped me stay healthy. That stability was the key to my performance.”
Under head coach Farioli, Ajax refined their tactical identity—sharpening transitions, enhancing pressing, and rewarding intelligent off-ball movement.
For Traoré, that approach offered the ideal playing environment to flourish, fitting neatly into a team balanced between youthful energy and seasoned experience.
Looking Ahead: Domestic and European Aspirations
With Ajax securing a return to the Champions League, Traoré made it clear where his ambitions lie: sustaining league dominance and making deeper progress on the continental stage.
“Ajax must always be in contention for the title. This club belongs in the Champions League and must be competitive there,” he asserted.
That sentiment reflects the club’s wider strategy of blending emerging talent with experienced professionals—a formula increasingly validated by improved performances and squad depth.
Traoré, now one of the team’s senior figures, said he feels responsibility to lead by example both on and off the pitch.
Career Milestones and Future Challenges
Since joining Ajax from Lyon in early 2024, the former Olympique Lyonnais product has steadily raised his stock. Prior spells at Chelsea and Lyon hinted at potential, but recurring injuries had dimmed those expectations.
This latest season, therefore, stands out in his career; combining resilience with consistency.
Looking ahead, Traoré remains fully focused on the immediate challenges. Pre-season training is already underway, but the upcoming Champions League fixtures promise a stern test.
Traoré hinted that he expects Ajax to emerge as genuine contenders in Group Stages, citing the squad’s blend of technical ability, tactical flexibility, and squad harmony.
As for himself, he appears more committed than ever. At 29, many forwards reassess their motivations.
For Traoré, however, the combination of physical fitness, positive form and renewed belief has opened a fresh chapter. He now envisions staying at the forefront of Ajax’s ambitions, ready to chase trophies and deepen his legacy at the club.
In his own words, this has been “the best season of his career”—and with the backdrop of Champions League football, the season ahead could yet eclipse this one.
