Fred Grim Reflects on Ajax’s Loss in His Interim Debut

Fred Grim has concluded his first and potentially last match as interim coach of Ajax, suffering a 2-1 defeat to FC Utrecht. After this significant week, Grim reflected on the challenges he faced following the dismissal of John Heitinga.

During the post-match press conference held in a driving school classroom, Grim entered the media room over thirty minutes after the loss. Taking his seat at the front, he adjusted his jacket and tapped the microphone to ensure it was functioning.

“Good afternoon everyone. I apologize for my voice; it’s not at its best today. We came to Utrecht aiming for three points, but unfortunately, we fell short,” he stated.

Grim chose not to dwell extensively on the officiating, noting, “The referee allowed a lot, and FC Utrecht played on the edge, which I actually appreciate. However, it was unfortunate that our goal was disallowed after a VAR review, leading us to concede the first goal. This left us with a mental setback as we entered the locker room. After halftime, despite conceding a second goal, we regrouped well. It’s disappointing that we didn’t at least secure a draw.”

He emphasized the need to address their vulnerabilities, especially in set-piece situations, saying, “We have dedicated significant attention to set-piece scenarios in recent weeks. If we lack physicality and struggle to win duels, we must ensure the opposition cannot capitalize on headers. This is an area that requires rigorous improvement. An interim coach can address this, but it’s crucial to understand the duration of the interim position.”

Reflecting on his unexpected appointment, Grim shared, “The past week has been quite surprising. The management asked if I was willing to step in for John (Heitinga). I initially contacted John, who was emotionally overwhelmed, making it challenging to have a calm conversation. However, he encouraged me, saying, ‘You must do what you need to do.’ This prompted my decision to take on this role.”

He noted that the players were also blindsided by Heitinga’s dismissal, stating, “John was well-liked among the players. No one expected the announcement on Thursday afternoon, including myself. Following that, it was essential to shift focus to motivating the team, training, and preparing for this match from Friday onward.”

Discussing the preparation for the game against FC Utrecht, Grim remarked, “When a coach is fired, a certain dynamic shifts within the group. I primarily emphasized the need for the players to engage fully, demonstrate intensity, and train effectively. We intentionally limited tactical discussions on the first day to help clear their minds.”

As for his future, Grim mentioned, “There hasn’t been much conversation about the immediate future. The club asked me to coach this match, but we haven’t discussed a specific timeframe. For now, it’s a waiting game. I’m not focused on that. Tonight or tomorrow, I will conduct an analysis of this match. Our journey continues, as that’s the nature of football.”