Ajax send John Heitinga message after sacking as manager

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Ajax have officially sacked head coach John Heitinga with immediate effect, ending his tenure which began this summer after leaving his role as assistant manager at Liverpool. The decision follows a disappointing run for Ajax, particularly in the Champions League where they suffered four consecutive defeats and currently sit bottom of their group. Despite only one league loss, Ajax trail league leaders Feyenoord by eight points, with recent heavy defeats including a 3-0 home loss to Galatasaray seen as the final straw.

The club released a statement confirming that Heitinga’s contract, originally set to run until June 30, 2027, has been terminated early. Assistant coach Marcel Keizer has also departed. Interim coaching duties will be handled by Fred Grim while the club searches for a permanent replacement.

Technical director Alex Kroes described the decision as "painful," but necessary due to "too little progress" and "unnecessarily dropped points" over recent months. Kroes acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to a new coach with squad changes but ultimately concluded it was in Ajax's best interests to appoint new leadership. Following the coaching change, Kroes offered to resign but was urged by the board to remain for continuity until a new technical director is found.

John Heitinga, aged 41, is a former Ajax player with over 200 club appearances and prior roles including youth coach and caretaker manager at Ajax. He gained experience abroad as assistant to David Moyes at West Ham and Arne Slot at Liverpool before returning to Amsterdam this season. The team's poor Champions League performances and disappointing domestic form led to his departure.

Meanwhile, speculation about former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag returning has been dismissed. Despite talks with Kroes, Ten Hag reportedly declined a return due to uncertainty in the club’s management positions. Ajax aim to appoint a new head coach soon to regain progress following a chaotic start to the season.

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