Ajax Makes Coaching Changes Following Series of Defeats

The recent 0-3 defeat to Galatasaray was the final straw for Ajax’s management. Just one day after suffering their fourth consecutive loss in the UEFA Champions League, head coach John Heitinga was dismissed from his position, along with his assistants Marcel Keizer and Frank Peereboom. Fred Grim has been appointed as the interim coach and will take charge for the upcoming match against FC Utrecht. The question now remains: which eleven players will he select?

Ajax has managed only one victory in their last seven matches, prompting the board to make the decision to dismiss Heitinga. The team’s recent form included a narrow win against FC Twente (2-3), followed by a draw at home against sc Heerenveen (1-1), and a heavy loss to Galatasaray. According to club officials, there has been no visible improvement over the past weeks, leading to the decision to seek a new head coach. In the interim, Grim will lead the team until a permanent replacement is found. SoccerNews has outlined six potential candidates for this open position.

Grim faces immediate challenges in assembling a squad for Sunday’s match. Ajax is already dealing with several injuries, and now Owen Wijndal will also miss the game. Lucas Rosa is likely to take his place at left-back, while Anton Gaaei will play on the opposite side. Additionally, changes are expected in the heart of the defense, with Ko Itakura stepping in for Josip Sutalo alongside left center-back Youri Baas. In goal, Remko Pasveer will retain his position.

The attack will also see changes under Grim’s direction. Previously, Heitinga had selected Regeer to play as a right winger, but this weekend, 22-year-old Raúl Moro is expected to reclaim that role after not featuring in the match against Galatasaray, ensuring he is fit for the clash in Utrecht. Mika Godts will occupy the left flank, where 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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