Ajax confirm John Heitinga won’t continue as coach after poor season

Ajax won’t lengthen the keep of coach John Heitinga after a disappointing 2022-23 season wherein they completed third and did not qualify for the Champions League for the primary time since 2009, opting as an alternative to rent a extra skilled tactician.

Former Dutch worldwide Heitinga, 39, took cost of the aspect on the finish of January following the departure of Alfred Schreuder and agreed a deal as much as the top of the marketing campaign. It was his first position as head coach of a senior workforce, having previously labored with the membership’s reserves.

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Heitinga elevated the aspect from fifth to 3rd within the desk, however Ajax have determined to not lengthen his keep, although he may stay concerned with the membership in some capability.

“On a personal level, this was a tough decision and it was not easy to tell him,” Ajax director of soccer Sven Mislintat instructed the membership’s web site 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 realized quite a bit within the final couple of months and we want to play a job in his improvement and hold him linked to the membership. But I’ve concluded that Ajax wants a extra skilled head coach.”

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

Feyenoord received the Dutch league title this season, ending 13 factors forward of Ajax. PSV Eindhoven had been runners-up and claimed the second Champions League qualification place.