Ajax Appoints Former Defender Heitinga as Head Coach

John Heitinga has been appointed as Ajax Amsterdam's new head coach on a two-year contract, succeeding Francesco Farioli who resigned after the team lost a nine-point lead and the Eredivisie title to PSV Eindhoven. Heitinga, a former Netherlands international and long-time Ajax player, brings extensive coaching experience including roles as an assistant at Liverpool and West Ham, as well as interim head coach at Ajax. His appointment aims to build on progress made in the previous season and restore Ajax's dominance in Dutch football following three consecutive trophyless years. Technical director Alex Kroes highlighted Heitinga's ambition and development during his time in the Premier League and Champions League, expressing confidence that Heitinga and his assistant Marcel Keizer will improve the team's performance. Heitinga expressed excitement about returning to Ajax, emphasizing his readiness to continue as a head coach and his honor in leading the club. The move also leaves a vacancy at Liverpool, where Heitinga served as assistant manager under Arne Slot during their Premier League-winning season.