Ajax Boss John Heitinga Speaks Out Amidst Growing Criticism

John Heitinga sees international break as opportunity for evaluation

Ajax manager John Heitinga has defended his position after his team drew 3-3 with Sparta Rotterdam, marking their fourth loss of points away from home in the Eredivisie season.

“I think it's also a good time to evaluate, both with the staff and the players...”

Ajax coach John Heitinga was forced to make changes to his lineup due to injuries. Center-half Ko Itakura didn't travel to Rotterdam due to an ankle injury he sustained during Japan's friendly match against Mexico. Heitinga acknowledged the team's recent injury struggles, saying, “These are not excuses, but I believe you have had to deal with many injuries in recent weeks.” Additionally, Lucas Rosa had to be substituted at halftime due to an injury, further testing Heitinga's squad depth.

Itakura's injury seems to be related to stiffness after transitioning from Germany to the Netherlands. “I think you have had to deal with many injuries in recent weeks,” Heitinga said, highlighting the challenges his team has faced. Despite these setbacks, Ajax drew 3-3 with Sparta Rotterdam, with Oscar Gloukh scoring a late equalizer in the 97th minute.

Despite the criticism, Heitinga remains confident, stating that the upcoming international break provides a good opportunity to evaluate the team's situation.

Ajax remains unbeaten in the Eredivisie after eight games, but their inability to secure away wins is a pressing concern. With Feyenoord set to take on FC Utrecht, the gap between Ajax and the league leaders could expand to six points.

Heitinga expressed his trust in the team and himself, emphasizing that he has regular contact with club advisor Louis van Gaal, who provides honest feedback on the team's style and development of young players. “I have all the confidence in myself and the players that we can take the next steps together,” Heitinga said. He also mentioned that the team needs to work on consistency and building on good moments.

Davy Klaassen, Ajax's captain, has voiced his support for Heitinga, stating that the team's performance wasn't good enough but expressing confidence in the coach. “Today was just not good enough... We need to keep working hard and build on our good moments,” Klaassen said. Wout Weghorst also backed Heitinga, criticizing the harsh criticism the coach faces.

Ajax managed to salvage a 3-3 draw against Sparta Rotterdam, thanks to substitute Oscar Gloukh's late equalizer in the 97th minute. The match was marked by Ajax's struggles, particularly in the first half. “It wasn't the good first half,” Ajax coach John Heitinga said after the game. “I think you create a few chances and score a good first goal. Then you get an unfortunate handball against you. Then you're in the corner where the blows fall.”

The match took an unfortunate turn when Youri Baas committed a handball in a slide tackle, resulting in a penalty that led to Sparta equalizing. Despite this setback, Ajax continued to push for a win but ultimately had to settle for a draw after Gloukh's late strike.

Heitinga acknowledged the team's struggles, stating that they need to work on building momentum and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. The draw extends Ajax's unbeaten streak, but the team remains winless in their away games this season.

Ajax fell behind 3-1 in the first 15 minutes of the second half after Sparta's Mitchell van Bergen and Joshua Kitolano exploited gaps in the Ajax defense. Both players found themselves alone in or on the edge of the box, capitalizing on Ajax's defensive lapses to give Sparta a significant lead.

“We didn't start well in the second half. However, I must say that I saw an Ajax team that is willing to go through fire to get the job done,” said Heitinga, who saw his team fight the heavy rain and wind as the second half started.

“I think we struggled with the conditions. We didn't play well, and we gave away two unnecessary goals. Then it becomes fragile; you can see that. Of course, that also affects your confidence.

“Then you get a few chances, and you keep up your pace and get into a rhythm. Then, luckily, you score two more goals.”

2 - John Heitinga became just the second Ajax manager over the last decade to see his side concede 3+ goals in consecutive matches (all competitions), after Maurice Steijn (3 consecutive games in September 2023). Struggle. pic.twitter.com/VVjknz1nM4

— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) October 4, 2025

 

Ajax coach John Heitinga's decision to keep Oscar Gloukh on the bench has raised eyebrows, especially given the midfielder's recent form. Gloukh has scored two goals in his last three games for Ajax, making his omission from the starting lineup surprising. With fitness not being an issue, questions arise about the choice to start 32-year-old Davy Klaassen over Gloukh, one of the team's few in-form players.

“That could have been the case, but we have more midfielders,” Heitinga said. “I think Oscar contributes to the end, and you can see that he also fights and battles for the team. It's important that no one throws in the towel and that you keep fighting until the end. That's what the lads did. I think that's clear to see.”

Ajax coach John Heitinga believes the upcoming international break is a good time to evaluate his team's performance. “I think it's also a good time to evaluate, both with the staff and the players.” he said. “I'm going to evaluate it for myself as well.” Heitinga declined to share specifics about previous evaluations, keeping the details of his self-assessment private.