Ajax to Part Ways with Manager John Heitinga
Ajax has announced the dismissal of manager John Heitinga, less than six months after he took charge at the club following his tenure at Liverpool.
The 41-year-old coach managed to secure only five victories in 11 Eredivisie matches, leaving Ajax eight points behind league leaders Feyenoord.
Ajax's struggles continued in the Champions League, where they lost all four of their matches this season, including a notable 3-0 defeat at home to Galatasaray on Wednesday.
Heitinga, a former player for Everton, served as assistant coach to Arne Slot during Liverpool's Premier League-winning season before returning to Ajax, where he previously made over 200 appearances as a player. He had signed a two-year contract with the club in late May, following previous roles as reserve-team manager and interim head coach.
The club has confirmed that Heitinga has been suspended, and his contract will be terminated.
Technical director Alex Kroes commented on the decision, stating, "It’s a painful decision. We understand that it can take time for a new coach to adapt to a squad that has undergone changes. We have given John that time, but we believe it is in the best interest of the club to appoint someone else to lead the team."
Marcel Keizer, Heitinga's assistant, will also be let go, while Kroes has offered to resign but has been encouraged to remain in his position.
Assistant coach Fred Grim, 60, will take over managerial duties on an interim basis.
According to local reports, Ajax is considering a return for former manager Erik ten Hag, who was dismissed by Manchester United in October 2024 and had a brief stint at Bayer Leverkusen before being released in September of this year.