Ajax have sacked John Heitinga after a poor run and are exploring a reunion with Erik ten Hag, who could return to revive the struggling Dutch giants.
Ajax have dismissed head coach John Heitinga after just over five months in charge, following their 3-0 Champions League home defeat to Galatasaray. The former Everton defender leaves the club sitting fourth in the Eredivisie and winless in four European games.
Heitinga’s contract, which was set to run until 2027, has been terminated immediately, with assistant coach Marcel Keizer also leaving. The club confirmed that Fred Grim, a former Ajax goalkeeper and academy coach, will take interim charge.
Technical director Alex Kroes admitted the decision was difficult but necessary. “It’s a painful decision,” he said. “We’ve seen too little progress and have dropped points unnecessarily. We believe it’s best for the club to appoint someone else.”
Reports from Dutch outlet Algemeen Dagblad suggest Ajax have already approached Erik ten Hag about a potential return. The 55-year-old, who led the club between 2018 and 2022, is currently out of work after brief spells with Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen.
Ten Hag’s previous tenure remains one of Ajax’s most successful modern eras. He guided the team to three Eredivisie titles, two KNVB Cups, and a remarkable Champions League semi-final run in 2019. Under his management, Ajax developed stars such as Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, and Donny van de Beek.
According to reports, Ten Hag recently met Ajax officials in Huizen for what was described as an informal “coffee meeting.” However, the timing, just days before Heitinga’s dismissal, has fuelled speculation that talks are already underway.
Heitinga, 41, arrived in May after serving as an assistant to Arne Slot at Liverpool. His reign began with optimism but quickly unravelled amid inconsistent results and poor performances. Ajax have won only one of their last seven matches across all competitions and are eight points behind leaders Feyenoord.
In Europe, the situation has been dire. The 3-0 loss to Galatasaray was Ajax’s fourth consecutive Champions League defeat, leaving them bottom of their group with an aggregate scoreline of 14-1. Fans at the Johan Cruyff ArenA voiced their frustration, demanding immediate changes from the club hierarchy.
Ajax now face a crucial period as they prepare to visit FC Utrecht on Sunday. Interim boss Fred Grim will lead the team as the club intensifies its search for a permanent replacement.
Technical director Kroes, who has come under fire for his recruitment policy, offered to resign but has been asked to remain until a new head coach is appointed. Club sources indicate that Ten Hag remains the preferred option, though other names are also being considered.
For Ajax supporters, a Ten Hag reunion symbolizes hope and stability after months of decline. His tactical clarity and deep understanding of the club’s philosophy could restore belief at the Johan Cruyff ArenA, if he agrees to return.
