John Heitinga Unfazed by Ajax's Lackluster Draw Against Heerenveen

Ajax hold Heerenveen to 1-1 draw, Heitinga satisfied with team's performance

Ajax manager John Heitinga isn't concerned about his team's lack of creativity in a 1-1 draw against Heerenveen, praising their solidity in the first half.

“I think a lot has been said, and that we just have to see what suits us best. I think it was pretty solid in the first half without creating many big chances...”

Ajax manager John Heitinga wasn't displeased with his team's performance after they secured a 1-1 draw against sc Heerenveen at home. Despite a lackluster first half, Ajax took the lead just before halftime thanks to Mika Godts' goal, which rewarded their efforts despite a shortage of creativity.

Heitinga praised his team's solidity, saying, “The first half was very stable, and you started well in the second half.” This assessment might seem at odds with Ajax's lack of big chances and limited shots on goal, but Heitinga seemed content with the team's overall display.

Ajax's stats from the first half weren't impressive, with Heerenveen actually outshooting them and creating more opportunities. However, Heitinga's comments suggest he believes his team got the job done, even if it wasn't in style. “The first half was very stable,” he reiterated, highlighting his satisfaction with the team's defensive solidity.

“I think we were close on top of it. After the interruption, you could see that we wanted to move forward faster, especially with Oscar (Gloukh) and Youri Regeer.”

Ajax's solid lead was disrupted in the 68th minute when goalkeeper Remko Pasveer, 41, failed to hold onto a long-range shot from Mees Willemsen, allowing Vaclav Sejk to capitalize on the error and score an easy goal, as Ajax defenders failed to track back and defend.

When questioned about the lack of urgency from Ajax defenders to react to Remko Pasveer's fumble, Heitinga swiftly moved past the issue, not wanting to dwell on the defensive lapse.

“I think we should focus on the match,” Heitinga said. “You made a personal mistake there. Of course, you want your defenders to react faster than the attackers. The first half wasn't great, but I think there was stability. We scored a good goal and then, of course, you want to get your second win in a row.”

Heitinga ended up relatively pleased with his team's performance, considering they managed to hold Heerenveen to a draw despite being outshot 17-9. The draw marked Ajax's fifth of the Eredivisie season.

“I think a lot has been said, and that we just have to see what suits us best. I think it was pretty solid in the first half without creating many big chances,” the former Liverpool assistant said.

“I think you scored an excellent goal with Mika (Godts). You don't give away much, but you certainly create several opportunities from that transition. You have to take advantage of those opportunities.”

It ends in a draw. #ajahee pic.twitter.com/pEgsafkayU

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) November 1, 2025

Next Wednesday, Ajax will focus on their UEFA Champions League campaign, hosting Turkish giants Galatasaray in a bid to secure their first points in the competition.