Ajax have officially sacked John Heitinga as head coach after a poor run of results in both the Eredivisie and the Champions League.
Heitinga’s contract, originally set to run until June 30, 2027, has been terminated, with the same decision applying to assistant coach Marcel Keizer.
Ajax is now searching for a new head coach, while Fred Grim will temporarily assume Heitinga’s responsibilities.
The former Liverpool coach was dismissed following a heavy 3-0 home defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League.
Ajax now sit bottom of their group with four losses from four matches. In the Eredivisie, they are fourth, eight points behind leaders Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven.
A club statement confirmed, “Ajax has suspended John Heitinga with immediate effect. The head coach’s contract was due to run until June 30, 2027, but will now be terminated. The same applies to assistant coach Marcel Keizer. Ajax is looking for a new head coach; in the meantime, Fred Grim will take over Heitinga’s duties.”
The AFCA Supporters Club had called for Heitinga’s removal, reflecting the opinion of many fans.
Ajax technical director Alex Kroes said, “It’s a painful decision. But looking back at the past few months, we must conclude that things have turned out quite differently from what we had envisioned.”
“We’ve seen too little progress and have unnecessarily dropped points. We know it can take time for a new coach to work with a squad that has undergone changes.”
“We have given John that time, but we believe it’s best for the club to appoint someone else to lead the team. We hope to present a new head coach together as soon as possible.”
“We thank John and Marcel for their efforts and wish Fred the best of luck, starting with Sunday’s away match in Utrecht.”
