After firing Alfred Schreuder last week, Ajax announced on Thursday that former Dutch international John Heitinga would take over as the head coach.
Heitinga, a 39-year-old graduate of the illustrious Ajax youth program, first played as a defender for the Amsterdam club before moving on to Atletico Madrid, Everton, Fulham, and Hertha Berlin. Since the start of this season, he has served as the second team of the organization’s Young Ajax’s coach.
For the remainder of the season, Heitinga will serve as the head coach, according to Ajax. Financial details weren’t made public.
Last weekend, he served as Ajax’s interim coach. With a 4-1 victory over Excelsior Rotterdam, Ajax snapped a seven-game losing streak and moved up to fourth place in the Eredivisie, five points behind leader Feyenoord.
Director of Ajax Edwin van der Sar said, “We have a lot of faith in John’s talents and the vision he outlined” in discussions with club leaders.
In addition to the 2010 World Cup final in Johannesburg, when he was dismissed in extra time, Heitinga participated in 87 international matches for the Netherlands. Spain defeated the Dutch 1-0.
When Erik ten Hag left to join Manchester United, Schreuder was fired just half a season after taking control.