Image Credits: Imago Images
John Heitinga’s brief spell as Ajax head coach ended recently.
The Dutch giants have been struggling this season.
On the European stage, Ajax have also faced heavy defeats, including a 3-0 home loss to Galatasaray in the Champions League.
The pressure on Heitinga had been mounting for some time.
Ajax are known for dominating Dutch football and developing top talent, but this season has been unusually difficult.
Fans, including the AFCA Supporters Club, called for change as the team dropped points in matches where bright moments were often short-lived.
The club’s board eventually decided action was necessary.
Technical director Alex Kroes admitted, “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.”
Just days after these struggles became too much, Heitinga faced the personal reality of being let go.
Just before he was sacked, he had received a medical update on Owen Wijndal’s muscle injury, only to be called to De Toekomst hours later for a meeting with Kroes and Menno Geelen.
There, he, assistant Marcel Keizer, and Frank Peereboom were informed their contracts were terminated with immediate effect.
In a later press interview, Kroes added, “We realized we weren’t making enough progress.”
“The difficulty was that we saw bright spots in some matches, but they were short-lived.”
“We hoped the tide could be turned, but that wasn’t to be.”
“We came to the conclusion that it was no longer possible.”
He also acknowledged that the timing of Fred Grim’s appointment as assistant coach could have been handled better.
“He [Heitinga] was angry and disappointed.”
“I understand that.”
Despite the abrupt ending in Amsterdam, Heitinga’s reputation at Liverpool remains intact.
The former defender, who only left Anfield in May, earned praise from players and head coach Arne Slot during his time at Ajax.
While fans and players alike digest the sudden change, Ajax sent Heitinga a message on social media that raised a few eyebrows.
On what appears to be his birthday, the club posted, “Congratulations, John Heitinga ❌❌❌.”
The post was quickly noticed for its unusual wording, considering it came only days after his dismissal.
It’s a reminder that even in football, timing and tone can spark discussion as much as the results on the pitch.
Gefeliciteerd, John Heitinga ❌❌❌ pic.twitter.com/nxRIkOXRwc
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) November 15, 2025
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