OFFICIAL: European giant dismisses head coach

Following a disappointing run in the Champions League, Ajax has officially parted ways with head coach John Heitinga, ending a tenure that lasted only a few months with many unfulfilled hopes.

Ajax Amsterdam confirmed the termination of John Heitinga’s contract on the evening of November 6, despite the original agreement being valid until June 2027. This decision was seen as unavoidable after the Dutch team lost all four group stage matches. Champions League and fell to the bottom of the group. In the domestic Eredivisie, Ajax also sits in fourth place, eight points behind leaders Feyenoord, having completely lost the form that once built their reputation.

According to Dutch media, the 0-3 defeat to Galatasaray at the Johan Cruyff Arena was the “last straw” that forced the management to take action. Technical director Alex Kroes admitted it was a “painful decision,” but emphasized that Ajax “showed no significant progress over many months.”

He stated that although the club gave Heitinga time to adapt to the new squad, the results did not improve, leading the leadership to believe a different direction was necessary to salvage the season.

Temporarily, former goalkeeper Fred Grim will serve as interim head coach while Ajax searches for a permanent replacement. Kroes also attracted attention by declaring his willingness to step down as technical director earlier than planned to facilitate new leadership, signaling a major shift in the club’s management structure.

Dutch media have also spread news that Ajax is in contact with former coach Erik ten Hag. Sources from the AD.nl revealed that Kroes met Ten Hag at his home in Huizen, although both parties claimed it was “just coffee.” Nevertheless, this meeting led the public to believe Ajax is considering reuniting with the strategist who led the team to the 2019 Champions League semifinals. Currently unemployed after being dismissed by Bayer Leverkusen in August, Ten Hag’s return is seen as an ideal choice to restore the identity of the “Dutch giants.”

John Heitinga, 41, previously assisted head coach Arne Slot at Liverpool before being appointed to lead Ajax at the start of the season. However, his lack of top-level coaching experience and significant squad changes meant he failed to meet expectations. Fans feel that appointing Heitinga partly reflects a decline in the club’s ambitions, which once symbolized European attacking football.

Ajax will continue their Champions League campaign with an away match against Benfica on November 25 — a game seen as their last chance to regain honor after a poor start. Although the club’s future remains uncertain, the dismissal of Heitinga shows Ajax is ready for a comprehensive rebuild to reclaim their former European glory.

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