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Ajax confirm that John Heitinga will stay on as manager for the rest of the season, after the former Dutch international snapped a seven-match winless run in his first game in charge following the sacking of Alfred Schreuder.
Ajax have confirmed that John Heitinga will stay on as manager until the end of the season.
The former Dutch international helped the Eredivisie giants snap a seven-match winless run in his first game in charge, following the sacking of Alfred Schreuder.
Heitinga, who made more than 200 appearances for Ajax between 2001 and 2008, will be tasked with putting the team back in contention for the title, given that it is five points behind leaders Feyenoord.
John Heitinga will remain as Ajax manager for the remainder of the 2022-23 season
Heitinga took his first game in temporary charge in a 4-1 win over Excelsior on Sunday.
Dwight Lodeweges, who was an assistant at rival PSV Eindhoven more than a decade ago, has now been appointed to the same role at Ajax as well.
Ajax chief executive Edwin van der Sar told the club’s official website: “We are convinced that this is the right solution.” John is on a clear and steady path, which has led him to develop very well over the years.
‘Gerry Hamstra, Klaas Jan Huntelaar and I have had multiple conversations, and obviously we had some with John.
“We are confident in John’s qualities and the vision he has. While looking for additions to the technical staff, we unanimously agreed on Dwight Lodeweges.
‘His knowledge and extensive coaching experience complement John and the rest of the staff. The team now has to win, work on their confidence and develop further. We still have a lot to fight for this season.’
Schreuder was sacked as Ajax manager immediately after their unfortunate 1-1 draw with FC Volendam last Thursday.
Up to that point, the Dutch giants had won just two games since November 1, and a late equalizer from Ghanaian star Mohammed Kudus spared them any blushes against Volendam.
Schreuder had been in trouble since taking over from current Man United boss Erik ten Hag and had faced a dressing room revolt over reporting from his players.
Alfred Schreuder was sacked last week after the Dutch team went on a seven-game winless run.
There was a big step forward in performance when Heitinga, who had been the Ajax Under-23 head coach, came on the bench for their clash with Excelsior on Sunday.
Ajax thrashed their opponents 4-1, with goals from Dusan Tadic, Davy Klaassen, Kudus and Devyne Rensch.
Although Ajax was knocked out of the Champions League under Schreuder, they are in contention for the Europa League and the Dutch Cup.