Ajax Faces Transition After Heitinga’s Departure

The recent 0-3 defeat to Galatasaray has prompted Ajax’s management to make a significant decision. Just one day after suffering their fourth consecutive loss in the Champions League, head coach John Heitinga, along with his assistants Marcel Keizer and Frank Peereboom, has been relieved of their duties. Fred Grim will serve as the interim coach for the upcoming match against FC Utrecht. The pressing question now is which lineup he will choose to field.

Ajax has secured only one victory in their last seven matches, providing ample justification for the board’s decision to part ways with Heitinga. A fortunate win against FC Twente (2-3) was followed by a disappointing draw at home against SC Heerenveen (1-1) and a harsh defeat against Galatasaray. According to club officials, there has been no visible improvement over the past weeks, leading to the decision to bring in a new coach to take charge of the team. For the time being, Grim will lead the squad until a permanent replacement is appointed. SoccerNews has compiled a list of six potential candidates for this vacant position.

Fred Grim faces a challenging task in assembling a competitive lineup for Sunday’s match. The team is already grappling with several injuries, and the situation has worsened with Owen Wijndal being sidelined for the fixture in Utrecht. Lucas Rosa is expected to step in as the left-back in his absence. On the opposite flank, Anton Gaaei will play, and changes are anticipated in the heart of the defense as well. Ko Itakura is set to replace Josip Sutalo alongside left center-back Youri Baas. Remko Pasveer will retain his position as goalkeeper.

Changes are also expected in the forward line. Heitinga had opted for Regeer as right winger in the recent Champions League match, but Raúl Moro is likely to reclaim his spot this weekend. The 22-year-old Spaniard did not feature in the match against Galatasaray and is therefore fresh and fit for the encounter in Utrecht. On the other flank, Mika Godts, who has been in decent form this season in the Eredivisie, will take his place.

Projected Lineup for Ajax vs. FC Utrecht (4-3-3):
Pasveer; Gaaei, Itakura, Baas, Rosa; Regeer, Gloukh, Taylor; Moro, Weghorst, Godts.

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