Champions League: John Heitinga Aims to Silence Critics

Heitinga seeks Ajax boost against Galatasaray

Ajax manager John Heitinga is counting on his team's fans to create a hostile atmosphere against Galatasaray in the Champions League.

“You have to recognise the moments when you need to be a link player and how to play under pressure...”

Ajax manager John Heitinga is urging his team to stay in the game against Galatasaray, knowing that the Turkish side boasts a high level of quality and experience. Heitinga's side is under pressure after losing their first three Champions League matches.

Ajax, along with Benfica, are the only teams without a point in this year's Champions League. The team has struggled so far, losing to Inter, Marseille, and Chelsea. Heitinga is determined to turn things around and get his team their first points in the competition.

“Galatasaray have a lot of quality and experience in their squad,” Heitinga said, highlighting the challenge ahead. He emphasized the need for his team to stay focused and competitive throughout the match. A win would be a significant boost for Ajax's campaign.

“Just like last year, they are dominating the Turkish league. We need to be on our guard. In terms of speed, explosiveness and strength in one-on-one situations, they are a good team. We know that. If we want to pick up points, especially at home, these are the games to do it.”

Ajax Struggling in Champions League

Ajax's European campaign has gotten off to a rocky start, with the team conceding seven goals in the first half of their last two games. They managed to keep Inter at bay for 42 minutes in their opener but were quickly overwhelmed by Chelsea and Marseille. Specifically, Chelsea's Marc Guiu opened the scoring in the 18th minute, while Marseille's attack was relentless, scoring four goals in the first half, with the first goal coming just six minutes into the game.

“We want to show ourselves on the highest stage, also towards the fans. The lads fought hard last season to play in the Champions League, and they deserve to play on this stage,” Heitinga continued.

“We want to stay in the game for a long time and create opportunities from our own play. Galatasaray gives away space, but they are also deadly on the counterattack. We want to take the first step by getting points.”

Ajax's struggles have been evident, with the team showing limited creativity in their build-up play and failing to create a significant number of clear-cut chances. Manager John Heitinga is aware of his team's shortcomings and is working on a solution, but he acknowledges that Ajax won't be able to play to a high standard every night.

“You have to recognise the moments when you need to be a link player and how to play under pressure. Then you look at the players' composition and the group. There will undoubtedly be moments when we cannot play under pressure, and we opt for the long ball instead.”

The #UCL stage is set ❌❌❌@cruijffarena pic.twitter.com/tlp7TC6l8d

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) November 5, 2025

Despite facing pressure and criticism, with fans calling for his head nearly all season, John Heitinga is confident that the sold-out Johan Cruyff ArenA will be electric when Galatasaray comes to town. Heitinga is counting on the Ajax fans to create a hostile atmosphere that will counteract the expected large and vocal Galatasaray contingent.

“All players will be wearing earplugs tomorrow,” Heitinga laughs.

“Looking back on my time as a player, it was always crazy in the stands in Turkey. Many Turkish people living in the Netherlands support Galatasaray. We are playing at home tomorrow. The stadium will be buzzing with atmosphere. I expect our fans to be the dominant force.”