Ajax to sack former Liverpool coach Heitinga amid poor run of results
Ajax to sack former Liverpool coach Heitinga has become the headline news in Dutch football after the Amsterdam club decided to end the promising yet challenging tenure of their 41-year-old manager John Heitinga. Having returned to Ajax as head coach in late May with high expectations following his impressive coaching stints and rich playing career at the club, Heitinga’s results have not met the standards demanded by one of Europe’s most storied teams. This decision underlines the unforgiving nature of football management, especially at elite clubs with a rich heritage and ambitious goals.
Difficult Start for Heitinga as Ajax’s Head Coach
John Heitinga’s appointment was initially seen as a homecoming for the former Netherlands international, who made over 200 appearances for Ajax during his playing career. After coaching Ajax’s reserve team and acting as interim head coach, Heitinga took on the full managerial role for the first team with a two-year contract. His previous experience included a spell as assistant coach under Arne Slot at Liverpool last season, during which the Reds clinched the Premier League title.
Despite the promising background, Heitinga’s time in charge has been fraught with difficulty. In 11 Eredivisie matches, Ajax managed only five wins, a worrying return for a club used to dominating the Dutch league. The team currently sits eight points behind league leaders Feyenoord, signaling a significant gap that threatens Ajax’s championship ambitions this season.
Champions League Woes Compound Domestic Problems
The European campaign has been particularly bleak under Heitinga, with Ajax suffering defeat in all four of their Champions League fixtures. A memorable low point came recently with a humiliating 3-0 home loss to Turkish side Galatasaray. This result not only dampened the club’s continental prospects but also raised serious questions about the tactical approach and squad morale under Heitinga’s leadership.
Such performances were unacceptable for a club that has historically punched above its weight in European competitions. The Champions League is a critical platform for Ajax in terms of reputation, finances, and attracting talent, making these failures particularly damaging.
Ajax’s Official Statement and Future Plans
Following mounting pressure and poor results, Ajax announced that Heitinga has been suspended and that his contract will be terminated. This transparent move shows the club’s willingness to act decisively when things are not working out. Technical Director Alex Kroes reflected on the decision in an emotional statement, acknowledging the challenges Heitinga faced but emphasizing that the club must look forward:
“It’s a painful decision. We know it can take time for a new coach to work with a squad that has undergone changes. We have given John that time, but we believe it’s best for the club to appoint someone else to lead the team.”
Alongside Heitinga’s departure, his assistant Marcel Keizer will also be dismissed. Meanwhile, assistant coach Fred Grim will take charge on an interim basis as Ajax search for a permanent replacement. Kroes himself has offered to step down but has so far been encouraged to remain at the club.
The Search for a New Leader: A Look at Potential Candidates
Local reports suggest that Ajax may now target former manager Erik ten Hag to return to the club. Ten Hag, who was dismissed by Manchester United in October 2024, also had a brief, unsuccessful tenure at Bayer Leverkusen earlier this year. Nonetheless, ten Hag’s previous successes with Ajax — including multiple Eredivisie titles and a deep Champions League run — make him an attractive option to restore confidence and stability.
Rehiring ten Hag would signal Ajax’s desire to return to the philosophies and standards that brought them recent successes. His knowledge of the club culture and ability to develop young talent align with Ajax’s long-term vision, making him a popular choice among supporters.
Conclusion
Ajax’s decision to sack John Heitinga less than six months into his tenure highlights the high expectations and pressures that come with managing one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs. While Heitinga’s appointment was rooted in loyalty and promise, the results on the pitch ultimately dictated the club’s path forward. With a challenging league campaign and European failures behind him, Ajax now faces a critical transitional period as they seek to appoint a new manager who can steer them back toward glory. Whether that new leader will be the returning Erik ten Hag or another candidate, the coming weeks will be vital for shaping the future trajectory of Ajax’s footballing ambitions.
