John Heitinga has left his job as assistant coach at Liverpool to become the new head coach of Ajax.
The 41-year-old Dutchman has signed a two-year deal and will be joined by Marcel Keizer, another coach from Ajax’s youth system.
Heitinga used to play for Ajax and later managed their B team and served as interim head coach. He now returns to lead the first team after Ajax parted ways with Francesco Farioli, who stepped down following a disappointing end to the season. Ajax lost their nine-point lead with seven matches left and ended up second behind PSV by just one point.
Heitinga, who also played for Everton, Fulham, Atletico Madrid, and Hertha Berlin, said he’s excited and ready to take on the role. He believes his time coaching in England at West Ham and Liverpool helped him grow.
Ajax’s technical director Alex Kroes said they’re confident Heitinga and Keizer will help improve the team and continue building for the future.
