🔚 Shock sacking in the Champions League, Ajax axe John Heitinga | OneFootball

Ajax Amsterdam has officially confirmed the dismissal of their coach, John Heitinga, with immediate effect. The decision, which also affects assistant Marcel Keizer, comes after a series of poor results that culminated in yesterday’s painful defeat in the UEFA Champions League against Galatasaray.

Although Heitinga’s contract ran until June 2027, the club has opted for an early termination in search of an urgent change of direction for the struggling season. The Dutch club’s statement was clear in confirming the departure, provisionally appointing Fred Grim to take charge of the first team. 

Heitinga’s management on the bench failed to consolidate a sporting project that met Ajax’s high standards. The continuous setbacks in the Eredivisie and the recent European elimination have sparked outrage among fans and forced the board to make a drastic decision. The defeat against Galatasaray is seen as the point of no return, making the coach’s continuity unsustainable, despite his return to the club he loves.

The rumor of a star return: Ten Hag

With the coaching position vacant, rumors around the Johan Cruyff Arena have exploded, and all eyes are on a familiar and much-loved name: Erik Ten Hag. The former Ajax coach, who led the team to a historic Champions League semifinal and several league titles, is the option that excites the fans the most and, according to sources close to the club, is already at the negotiating table.

The possible return of Ten Hag is seen as a lifeline for a team that needs to recover its identity and dominance. His successful previous spell, characterized by attacking football and the development of young talents, is the model the board wants to emulate. However, negotiations could be complex, given the current prestige and status of the Dutch coach.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

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