The struggles of AFC Ajax after Erik ten Hag continues following the sacking of Maurice Steijn, their third manager since the current Manchester United coach.
Steijn took over the role from John Heitinga who handled the club from January to June of 2023. Heitinga himself was brought in for ten Hag’s direct successor, former Barcelona assistant manager Alfred Schreuder who managed the club from July 2022 to January 2023.
Steijn did not inspire much confidence from the start but the board of Ajax were hoping that the former Sparta Rotterdam manager could help steady a very shaky ship since their most trusted captain quit for the Premier League.
The uncertainty around the 49-year-old’s appointment was proven right after Steijn oversaw Ajax’s worst start to the Eredivisie league season in their history. De Godenzonen are winless in eight games and are second from bottom, making them candidates for relegation.
Ajax had to terminate his contract as a result, passing it off like every organisation does as a “mutual parting of ways”.
A statement from the record Eredivisie title holders on Monday announcing Steijn’s departure reads: “Ajax and Maurice Steijn will part ways with immediate effect. The club management and Steijn have agreed that the coach will step down from his position.”
“Steijn (Den Haag, November 20, 1973) transferred from Sparta Rotterdam to Ajax this summer and signed a contract until June 30, 2026.”
Ajax Chief Executive, Jan van Halst, also had things to say about Steijn’s short stint at the club. He mentioned how plans from either end failed to gel while also mentioning that Hedwiges Maduro would take charge of the club going forward.
“We have worked intensely and professionally together over the last few months. But the sportive successes and the development of the team were lacking,” van Halst said. “That is why we decided to sit down together again today. This time, Maurice also expressed his concerns on whether he was the right man in the right place.”
“Together, we decided that it would be best to part ways. Hedwiges Maduro will do the honours for the coming period.”
Steijn confirmed the news, saying, “This morning, I sat down with the board, and we continued our talks later this afternoon. We came to the conclusion that this is what is best for Ajax, although I regret that.”
“Everyone who knows me knows I have done everything to take Ajax back to the place where this club belongs. But I failed to do so. I want to thank the supporters and the people I have worked with here, and I hope Ajax will find its way up again soon.”
