Ajax in Crisis: Can Heitinga Save Ajax?
The Dutch giants are in crisis, pressure is mounting on John Heitinga. Ajax's underwhelming performances have fans calling for John Heitinga's head. Will he be able to silence his critics or will the Ajax board decide to part ways?
“The management and I have the same goals for the future of Ajax, but we have different visions and timeframes about the way we should work and operate...”
Ajax fans are calling for the removal of manager John Heitinga due to the team's uninspiring performances, despite being unbeaten in the Eredivisie this season. Heitinga's tactics have been criticized, with the team showing poor defending and inaccurate striking.
Heitinga has pedigree at the highest level, having worked under David Moyes at West Ham and Arne Slot at Liverpool. However, his team’s current style of play has disappointed fans, leading to a growing movement for his removal during the international break.
“I'm an Ajax fan and they are very, very poor this season. They look lost out there, no plan, no directions - it's awful this season... people are begging for him (Heitinga) to be fired,” he said.
Ajax's Sloppy Defending Sparks Fan Discontent
Ajax's recent performances have left fans unimpressed, with sloppy defending and inaccurate striking becoming a regular feature of the team's play. Despite being one of only two clubs in the Eredivisie without a domestic league loss this season, Ajax fans are calling for change, with some even demanding the removal of manager John Heitinga.
Ajax fan Paul Winters expressed his discontent, stating, “I'm an Ajax fan and they are very, very poor this season. They look lost out there, no plan, no directions - it's awful this season... people are begging for him [Heitinga] to be fired.”
Heitinga's coaching has been criticized, with fans and pundits questioning his tactical acumen and defensive setup. The team's recent performances, including a 4-0 loss to Marseille, have only added to the frustration.
Ajax's recent performances have left fans unimpressed, despite the team's decent record in the Eredivisie. With four wins and four draws from eight games, the issue isn't just about results, but also the style and quality of play. Fans are criticizing the team's sloppy defending and lack of finesse, which has become a recurring theme.
Supporters want to be entertained, and rightly so. The beautiful game is about more than just winning – it's about the art of playing football with flair, creativity, and precision. When teams fail to deliver on that front, fans can't help but feel disappointed and frustrated.
In Ajax's case, the criticism is palpable. Fans are calling for a change, and it's not just about the results; it's about the manner in which they're achieved. The team needs to step up and show more quality, creativity, and passion on the pitch to justify the fans' support.
Draw. pic.twitter.com/wUjNqRXwYZ
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) October 4, 2025
Ajax's Struggles Continue
After a disappointing end to the previous season under Francesco Farioli, Ajax fans are growing increasingly frustrated with the team's lackluster performances. Despite a decent record in the Eredivisie, the team's style of play has been criticized for being uninspiring and lacking quality. Fans, like Paul Winters, are calling for a change, fed up with the mediocre football and wanting more from their team.
The Italian manager Francesco Farioli signed a three-year contract with Ajax at the start of the 2024/25 season but surprisingly left the club within a year due to the team's failure to secure the league title. Despite having a nine-point lead with seven games remaining, Ajax dramatically lost out to PSV Eindhoven by a single point.
Farioli's departure came after a dismal run of results, where Ajax managed only two wins in their last nine league matches, including four losses and three draws. This collapse led to PSV Eindhoven pipping them to the title. The club's technical director, Alex Kroes, described Farioli's exit as “incredibly disappointing,” highlighting the valuable contributions the Italian coach had made during his tenure, particularly in qualifying for the Champions League.
Farioli cited differences in vision and timelines with the club's management as the reason for his departure, despite sharing the same goals for the team's future. His exit marks a significant moment for Ajax, as he was the first non-Dutch coach to lead the team since Morten Olsen in 1998.
“The management and I have the same goals for the future of Ajax, but we have different visions and timeframes about the way we should work and operate to achieve those goals,” is all Farioli would offer up as an explanation after the season ended.
Farioli's Departure from Ajax
Francesco Farioli's exit from Ajax was largely due to internal issues and disagreements with the board, rather than his on-field results. Despite a respectable record of 35 wins, 7 draws, and 12 losses in 54 games, with a 64.8% win percentage, Farioli's management style clashed with the club's leadership. Some suggested that his wins were partly due to luck rather than sound judgment, which may have contributed to the board's decision to part ways with him.
John Heitinga's appointment as Ajax manager was seen as a move to unite the squad and connect with fans who pay to watch them play. As a former Ajax player who rose through the club's ranks, Heitinga understands the significance of wearing the Ajax shirt and the responsibility that comes with it. His experience playing for the club was marked by success and dedication, before he went on to play for several top clubs including Atletico Madrid, Everton, and Fulham.
John Heitinga's knowledge of the club's culture and values was expected to bring stability and a sense of familiarity to the team. However, his tenure has been met with criticism, with fans expressing frustration over the team's performances and style of play. Despite his pedigree, Heitinga's coaching abilities have been questioned, leading to calls for his removal.
Ajax's Frustrating Season
Ajax fans are growing increasingly frustrated with their team's performances, despite a decent domestic record. The team's meek display in the Champions League, particularly the 4-0 loss to Marseille, exemplifies the opposite of what fans expect from their team. This follows a 2-0 opening day defeat to Inter Milan, leaving Ajax 35th out of 36 teams in the current Champions League table, kept off the bottom only by virtue of the fact that Kairat have conceded two more goals The team's struggles have left supporters feeling disillusioned and demanding change.
Heitinga's coaching has left Ajax fans puzzled, with many questioning his tactical acumen and defensive setup, particularly on set plays. His team's vulnerabilities in these areas have sparked frustration, with supporters wondering why Heitinga hasn't addressed these issues despite his experience and knowledge of the club.
Ajax Board Under Pressure to Act
The Ajax board is facing increasing pressure to take action regarding manager John Heitinga's future, given the team's underwhelming performances. Despite being unbeaten in the Eredivisie with a record of 4 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses in 10 games, Ajax's style of play has been heavily criticized. The team's 17 goals scored and 16 conceded in these games are not impressive for a team of Ajax's stature. Heitinga's 40% win percentage is also a significant drop compared to his predecessor, Francesco Farioli, who had a more successful stint despite a dramatic collapse at the end of the season.
The 3-3 draw against Sparta Rotterdam, where Ajax fought back from 3-1 down, has further fueled concerns about Heitinga's ability to lead the team to success. Columnist Hugo Borst believes Heitinga's departure is inevitable, citing his lack of vision, story, and impression on players, supporters, and journalists. Others, like Valentijn Driessen, think Heitinga should be given more time but acknowledge the club's poor performances and the need for change.
“Listen, the fans are disappointed, we're disappointed, but we're a team in construction,” Heitinga said in the wake of the Marseille defeat.
“And eventually I know we'll get it right, but that will take some time. Am I worried about my position? No.”
Possible Replacement
If Heitinga does leave, Ajax might turn to Erik ten Hag, who has been mentioned as a potential candidate. Ten Hag previously managed Ajax from 2017 to 2022 and led the team to significant success. His experience and knowledge of the club could be valuable assets in revamping the team.
What's Next?
The international break has arrived, and the Ajax board faces a crucial decision regarding John Heitinga's future. The question remains whether they will take bold action or stick with the current manager, despite growing criticism and fan discontent.
Ajax's board faces pressure to decide whether to stick with Heitinga or explore new leadership options. Will they take a chance on Heitinga, or will they opt for a change? Only time will tell.
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