Ajax Dismisses Heitinga Following Disappointing Performance

The recent 0-3 defeat to Galatasaray has prompted Ajax’s management to take decisive action. Just one day after suffering their fourth consecutive loss in the Champions League, head coach John Heitinga was dismissed from his position. His assistants, Marcel Keizer and Frank Peereboom, were also let go. Fred Grim will take over as interim manager for the upcoming match against FC Utrecht. The question now is which eleven players Grim will select for the lineup.

Ajax has recorded only one win in their last seven matches, which was a significant factor in the decision to part ways with Heitinga. Following a narrow victory over FC Twente (2-3), the team encountered a disappointing draw at home against SC Heerenveen (1-1) and the heavy loss to Galatasaray. Club officials noted a persistent lack of improvement over the past weeks, prompting the decision to appoint a new head coach. For the time being, Grim will step in until a permanent replacement is found, with SoccerNews listing six potential candidates for the head coach position.

Grim faces immediate challenges in assembling a competitive squad for this Sunday’s match. Ajax is already grappling with several injuries, with Owen Wijndal now added to the list and unavailable for the encounter in Utrecht. Lucas Rosa is expected to step in as the left-back to fill Wijndal’s position, while Anton Gaaei will play on the opposite flank. Changes are also anticipated in the central defense, with Ko Itakura replacing Josip Sutalo alongside left center-back Youri Baas. Remko Pasveer will retain his position as goalkeeper.

In the attacking front, Grim will implement changes as well. Heitinga had opted for Regeer as the right winger in the previous Champions League match, but it is likely that Raúl Moro will reclaim this spot for the upcoming game. The 22-year-old Spaniard did not see action against Galatasaray, allowing him to be fully fit for the match in Utrecht. On the opposite side, Mika Godts will feature, as he has been performing well in the Eredivisie this season.

**Expected lineup for Ajax against FC Utrecht (4-3-3)**
Pasveer; Gaaei, Itakura, Baas, Rosa; Regeer, Gloukh, Taylor; Moro, Weghorst, Godts.

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