Ajax to Dismiss Former Liverpool Coach John Heitinga After Poor Run
Ajax announced that Heitinga has been suspended
- Ajax to sack John Heitinga less than six months after his appointment due to poor results.
- The club sits eight points behind Feyenoord and has lost all four Champions League games.
- Assistant coach Fred Grim takes over on an interim basis as Ajax consider reappointing Erik ten Hag.
Ajax have confirmed that John Heitinga will be dismissed as manager less than six months after taking charge of the Dutch giants following his move from Liverpool.
The 41-year-old, who signed a two-year deal in May, has endured a difficult spell, winning only five of his 11 Eredivisie matches. Ajax currently sit eight points behind league leaders Feyenoord and have suffered four consecutive defeats in the Champions League, including a heavy 3–0 home loss to Galatasaray on Wednesday.
Heitinga, a former Netherlands and Everton defender, returned to Ajax—where he made over 200 appearances as a player—after serving as assistant coach to Arne Slot at Liverpool, helping the Reds win the Premier League last season.
Ajax announced that Heitinga has been suspended, with his contract set to be terminated. His assistant, Marcel Keizer, will also be dismissed.
“It’s a painful decision,” said Ajax technical director Alex Kroes in a statement on the club’s website. “We understand it takes time for a coach to adapt to a changing squad, but we believe appointing a new leader is the best step for the team’s future.”
Kroes revealed he offered to resign in light of the team’s struggles but was persuaded to remain in his position. In the meantime, assistant coach Fred Grim, 60, will take charge as interim manager.
Local media reports suggest Ajax are considering a reunion with Erik ten Hag, who was dismissed by Manchester United in October 2024 and had a brief stint with Bayer Leverkusen earlier this year before being sacked after just two Bundesliga games.
