Ajax Dismisses Coach John Heitinga After Champions League Defeat

The 0-3 defeat against Galatasaray proved to be the final straw for Ajax’s management. Just one day after enduring 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. As a result, Fred Grim will step in as interim coach for the upcoming match against FC Utrecht. The question now is: which eleven players will the interim coach select?

Ajax has recorded only one victory in their last seven matches, prompting the board to take action against Heitinga. A fortunate win against FC Twente (2-3) was quickly overshadowed by a draw at home against sc Heerenveen (1-1) and a heavy defeat to Galatasaray. According to the club’s decision-makers, there has been a noticeable lack of improvement over the past weeks, leading to the decision to appoint a new coach. For now, Grim will take charge until Ajax finds a permanent head coach. SoccerNews has identified six potential candidates for this vacant position.

Fred Grim faces an immediate challenge in assembling a competitive lineup for Sunday’s match. Ajax is already dealing with a significant number of injuries, with Owen Wijndal now unavailable for the game in Utrecht. Lucas Rosa is expected to step in as the left-back. On the opposite flank, Anton Gaaei will take his position. Additionally, changes are anticipated in the heart of the defense, as Ko Itakura is set to replace Josip Sutalo alongside left central defender Youri Baas. In goal, Remko Pasveer will maintain his position.

Changes will also be made to the attacking front. Heitinga had previously opted for Regeer as a right winger in the Champions League, but this weekend, Raúl Moro is likely to reclaim that position. The 22-year-old Spaniard did not play against Galatasaray, putting him in prime condition for the clash in Utrecht. On the opposite flank, Mika Godts, who has been performing well in the Eredivisie this season, will operate.

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