Soccer-Ajax confirm exit of rookie coach Heitinga


AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Ajax will not extend the stay of coach John Heitinga after a disappointing 2022-23 season in which they finished third and failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2009, opting instead to hire a more experienced tactician.

Former Dutch international Heitinga, 39, took charge of the side at the end of January following the departure of Alfred Schreuder and agreed a deal up to the end of the campaign. It was his first role as head coach of a senior team, having formerly worked with the club’s reserves.

Heitinga elevated the side from fifth to third in the table, but Ajax have decided not to extend his stay, though he could remain involved with the club in some capacity.

“On a personal level, this was a tough decision and it was not easy to tell him,” Ajax director of football Sven Mislintat told the club’s website on Thursday.

“John got on board to help the club in a difficult time, and he did that full of dedication. We are very grateful for that.

“He learned a lot in the last couple of months and we would like to play a role in his development and keep him connected to the club. But I have concluded that Ajax needs a more experienced head coach.”

Ajax announced earlier this week that chief executive officer Edwin van der Sar will leave his post after what he termed “an incredibly tough period”.

Feyenoord won the Dutch league title this season, finishing 13 points ahead of Ajax. PSV Eindhoven were runners-up and claimed the second Champions League qualification place.

(Reporting by Nick Said, editing by Pritha Sarkar)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Football

Soccer-Man City begin work on 10-million-pound training facility for women's team
Manchester United announce plans for new 100,000-seat stadium
Soccer-Palmeiras slam CONMEBOL over mild punishment for racism against Luighi
Soccer-Man United plan to build 'world's greatest stadium' rather than refurbish Old Trafford
Soccer-Win at West Ham a real boost for final, says Newcastle boss Howe
Soccer-Ratcliffe says some Man Utd players not good enough
Soccer-Newcastle go sixth as Guimaraes bags winner at West Ham
Soccer-Duran and Ronaldo fire Al-Nassr into Asian Champions League quarters
Soccer-Feyenoord coach Van Persie still hoping to get past Inter
Soccer-Liverpool will play to win, not draw against PSG, says Slot

Others Also Read