Eredivise: Heitinga To Replace Schreuder As Ajax's Manager

Johnny Heitinga will remain as the head coach of Ajax Amsterdam for the rest of the season, according to the club.

This announcement was made by the club on Thursday after Heitinga was moved from Jong Ajax, the club's reserve team, to take over the first team as a caretaker coach last weekend following the dismissal of Alfred Schreuder.

Ajax and @JohnHeitinga have agreed on remaining head coach of Ajax 1 for the rest of the season.

Let’s do this, John! ❌❌❌

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) February 2, 2023

Heitinga made an impressive debut, leading Ajax to a 4-1 victory over Excelsior Rotterdam in his first game in charge. This win allowed the club to move up one place in the Dutch standings to fourth, trailing the leaders Feyenoord by five points.

To support Heitinga, Ajax has appointed experienced coach Dwight Lodeweges as his assistant. Lodeweges, who is 65 years old, has a wealth of coaching experience, having served as the assistant and interim coach at PSV Eindhoven and the Dutch national team.

The club's general manager, Edwin van der Sar, expressed his confidence in the appointment, stating that Heitinga has followed a careful and gradual path, allowing him to develop well as a coach in recent years.

With Heitinga at the helm and Lodeweges as his assistant, Ajax will be hoping to make a strong push towards the top of the Dutch standings. The defending champions will be away at Cambuur Leeuwarden on Sunday, and fans will be eager to see if Heitinga can continue his winning streak.