Officially: Ajax Amsterdam has chosen a new coach. All confirmed

Ajax Amsterdam was a disappointing one under Alfred Schreuder, as evidenced by a seven-game unbeaten run in the Eredivisie for the first time since 1965. Ajax are therefore fourth with 37 points and five points behind leaders Feyenoord Rotterdam. There is therefore a real threat that Ajax Amsterdam may not play in the Champions League next season. Among Schreuder’s successors, the media mentioned e.g. Marcelo Bielsa, Louis van Gaal and Zlatko Dalic. The final choice fell on a completely different trainer.

Ajax Amsterdam have chosen a new coach. He is Alfred Schreuder’s assistant and former Ajax player for many years

Ajax Amsterdam have announced in an official statement that John Heitinga has replaced Alfred Schreuder as head coach. The 39-year-old appeared on the bench for Ajax in their last league match, where they won 4-1 against Excelsior Rotterdam and ended an infamous streak. Heitinga is expected to hold this position at least until the end of the season. – We are convinced that this is the right solution. John is on a good path which has resulted in him developing a lot as a coach over the years. We are confident in Heitinga’s qualities and the vision he has for the team,” said Edwin van der Sar, president of Ajax Amsterdam.

John Heitinga has been associated with Ajax Amsterdam for years. The Dutch defender played there as a footballer in 2001-2008 and 2015-2016. Later, he was assistant to Marcel Keizer in the Ajax U-23 team, and in 2017-2021 he managed the youth team under the age of 18. As a footballer, Heitinga also represented clubs such as Atletico Madrid, Everton, Fulham and Hertha Berlin. Heitinga’s contract with Ajax Amsterdam is not valid until the end of the season, but until the end of June 2025. It is worth adding that Heitinga was in Alfred Schreuder’s staff this season.

Apart from playing in the Eredivisie and the Dutch Cup, Ajax Amsterdam is still in the game in European competitions. The team led by John Heitinga will play in the round of 16 of the Europa League against Union Berlin. The next match with the new coach on the bench will be played by Ajax on Sunday, February 5 at. 12:15, when the opponent will be SC Cambuur.