Valentijn Driessen Critiques Ajax Coach Fred Grim’s Performance

Valentijn Driessen asserts that Ajax has made no progress following the dismissal of coach John Heitinga. According to the journalist, his interim successor, Fred Grim, is not demonstrating any improvement in performance. Driessen believes that Ajax is unlikely to dismiss Grim, yet he would not find a Spanish-style coaching overhaul, with multiple changes in one season, misplaced.

In his column for De Telegraaf, Driessen delivers harsh criticism of Grim’s management. He argues that Grim’s assertion of having witnessed decent football during the match against AZ Alkmaar is unfounded. “Grim claims to have seen good football from his team, including combinations and chances. Chances? Yes, merely possibilities leading to chances. This statement underscores the deterioration of analysis by coaches after matches. They seem to speak without regard for the reality of the game,” Driessen contends.

Driessen reflects on the notion of frequent coaching changes, typical in Italian and Spanish football, which are generally frowned upon in pragmatic Netherlands. He notes that Grim, believing he could appease the fans after the AZ-Ajax match with baseless optimism, is quickly losing credibility with his unrealistic lineup. Even his misplaced positivity seems aimed at preserving the little remaining confidence among Ajax supporters.

Furthermore, Driessen criticizes Grim’s decision-making, particularly regarding the late substitution of Wout Weghorst. He states, “The timing of Weghorst’s introduction speaks volumes about Grim’s capabilities. He is failing to perform, not delivering results, and making excuses for disappointing outcomes. The fact that he only brought on Weghorst—who played a crucial role in the equalizer—at the 88th minute during a 1-0 deficit indicates that Grim is unfit for his role as head coach of Ajax.”