John Heitinga Departs Liverpool To Lead Ajax As Head Coach For 2025-26 Season

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Liverpool's assistant manager, John Heitinga, has departed to become Ajax's head coach for the 2025-26 season. Heitinga, a former Netherlands international, played over 200 matches for Ajax and secured two Eredivisie titles with them between 2002 and 2004. His coaching journey at Ajax included roles as reserve team coach and interim head coach from January to June 2023.

Heitinga's coaching career saw him assisting David Moyes at West Ham in September 2023 after his interim role at Ajax. In July 2024, he joined Liverpool under Arne Slot. Now, at 41, he has committed to a two-year contract with Ajax, taking over from Francesco Farioli. Farioli's tenure ended after a disappointing finish where Ajax lost their nine-point lead in the Eredivisie and finished second to PSV.

Ajax holds the record with 36 Dutch titles but has not won any trophies in the past three years. The club aims to break this streak under Heitinga's leadership. Technical director Alex Kroes expressed confidence in Heitinga's abilities: "John is a good coach with enormous drive. He is ambitious and has further developed himself over the past few years in the Premier League and Champions League."

Kroes also highlighted Heitinga's familiarity with Ajax as an advantage: "John knows the club well and we are convinced that he, together with [assistant] Marcel Keizer, will help improve our players and build on the progress made since last summer." This appointment marks a significant step for both Heitinga and Ajax as they strive for success in upcoming seasons.

Heitinga's return to Ajax is seen as a homecoming by many fans and officials alike. His previous experiences both as a player and coach within the club are expected to bring stability and renewed energy to the team. With his extensive knowledge of both domestic and international football, Heitinga is poised to lead Ajax back to its winning ways.