The Dutch football powerhouse, Ajax, has announced the dismissal of coach John Heitinga. This significant change in leadership follows a catastrophic start to the season. The team now occupies the lowest position in the Champions League table.
The four-time European champions declared, “Ajax is looking for a new head coach.” They confirmed that Fred Grim will immediately assume Heitinga’s duties on an interim basis.
Heitinga signed a two-year contract in May. However, he proved unable to reverse the decline in the club’s fortunes. Ajax officially terminated his contract with immediate effect.
European Disasters Force Management Change
The most recent factor contributing to Heitinga’s downfall was a demoralizing Champions League performance. Ajax endured a bruising 3-0 defeat at home to Galatasaray on Wednesday. This loss came right after a painful 5-1 thrashing away to Chelsea.
The team’s European run became unsustainable:
- Key Losses: Defeats included a 4-0 loss to Marseille and a 2-0 defeat against Inter Milan.
- Final Tally: The club finished with zero points, one goal scored, and 14 goals conceded.
Domestically, Ajax currently holds fourth place in the Dutch Eredivisie. They trail the leading teams, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord, by eight points.
Fans had already shown their displeasure . Supporters publicly jeered Heitinga during the match at Stamford Bridge, signaling a definite loss of confidence in his leadership.
Continuity Sought as Director Remains
The club’s technical director, Alex Kroes, acknowledged the severity of the action. He confessed the decision was a “painful” one.
“We know it can take time for a new coach to work with a squad that has undergone changes,” Kroes stated. “We have given John that time, but we believe it’s best for the club to appoint someone else to lead the team.”
Kroes submitted his own resignation. Nevertheless, the board requested that he stay in his post to ensure some continuity during this transitional phase. He will remain under contract until the end of the current season. He confirmed, “Should the club appoint a new technical director earlier, I will hand over my responsibilities at that time.”
Recurring Failures Plague the Club
The Amsterdam-based club continues to struggle to recover from failures in previous seasons. They dramatically squandered the league title last season from a dominant position. With only five matches remaining, Ajax had a nine-point lead.
Yet, they allowed the title to slip away to PSV Eindhoven after suffering two losses and two draws. The season prior, Ajax experienced its worst-ever start to a campaign.
Heitinga’s playing career included stints at Atletico Madrid and Everton. He retired in 2016 after a brief final spell with his boyhood club. He was famously sent off while playing for the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final.
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