Ajax director addresses John Heitinga sack talks

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Ajax's technical director, Alex Kroes, has publicly addressed speculation regarding the future of head coach John Heitinga amid a challenging start to the season for the Amsterdam club. Despite continued external pressure and calls for Heitinga’s dismissal following disappointing results—including a six-point gap behind league leaders PSV Eindhoven and defeats against Inter Milan and Marseille in the Champions League—Kroes firmly stated that he does not regret appointing Heitinga and intends to support him through the difficulties.

Kroes emphasized his commitment by declaring that if the coach were to be sacked, he should be fired first. This sentiment echoes a similar stance he took last year regarding the previous coach, Francesco Farioli, highlighting Kroes’s resolve to stand by his managerial decisions despite fan unrest and criticism.

Heitinga, who returned to Ajax after coaching roles at West Ham and Liverpool, is currently under fire for tactical and defensive shortcomings, notably after the Champions League loss to Inter Milan where his strategies were questioned by supporters and pundits alike. Nonetheless, Ajax have recently reinforced the coaching staff by promoting academy chief Fred Grim to assistant coach at Heitinga’s recommendation, signaling institutional backing internally.

While fans and media commentators express frustration over Ajax's inconsistent performances and organizational decisions, the club’s leadership, led by Kroes, is continuing to support Heitinga’s tenure with a focus on strengthening coaching quality and player development. This backing suggests Ajax is committed to stability for now, despite an uncertain competitive outlook and ongoing scrutiny of Kroes’s role as technical director as well.