New Delhi: John Heitinga has made his return to Ajax, leaving his role as assistant coach at Liverpool to become the new head coach of the Dutch giants. The 41-year-old has played over 200 matches for Ajax as a player and is now set to lead the club as he has signed two year deal.
Heitinga steps into the position previously held by Francesco Farioli, who departed after just one season in charge. Farioli’s tenure ended on a sour note as Ajax, despite holding a nine-point lead with seven matches remaining,g fell short of the Eredivisie to claim the title, finishing a point behind PSV Eindhoven. That collapse marked a third consecutive season without silverware for the Amsterdam club, who have won the Dutch championship a record 36 times.
Speaking about his appointment, Heitinga expressed his excitement and readiness to embrace the challenge. “I am incredibly excited to start,” he said. “The last years in England have done me a lot of good. I’m ready to continue as a head coach and I’m honoured to be given that opportunity at Ajax.”
Ajax has reached an agreement with John Heitinga regarding the coach’s move to Amsterdam. Heitinga is signing a contract with Ajax as head coach until June 30, 2027 ✍️ pic.twitter.com/FD24kaFsWC
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) May 31, 2025
Heitinga will be supported by Marcel Keizer, who is also a product of Ajax’s academy, as his assistant. Ajax’s technical director, Alex Kroes, praised Heitinga’s return,n saying, “John is a good coach with enormous drive. He is ambitious and has further developed himself over the past few years in the Premier League and Champions League. John knows the club well, and we are convinced that he, together with Marcel, will help improve our players and build on the progress made since last summer.”
Heitinga guided Ajax to third place back in the 2022-23 season when he took over as the interim manager. He then spent the following year at West Ham as a first-team coach under David Moyes. He then joined Arne Slot’s staff at Liverpool and helped the Reds clinch their second Premier League title.
Heitinga’s return marks a fresh chapter for Ajax as they aim to reclaim domestic dominance and restore their winning legacy.
John Heitinga leaves Liverpool to become Ajax head coach, aiming to bring the Dutch club back to the top of the Eredivisie. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
