Poor results cost Heitinga head at Ajax: ‘No decision out of emotion’

“Difficult, but respectful.” So went the conversation in which director of soccer affairs Sven Mislintat informed interim coach John Heitinga that he will no longer be in front of the group at Ajax next season. Not even as assistant to the new coach, Mislintat says.

“It’s not a decision out of emotion,” the German explained. “Of the seven big duels we have played, we only won one (semifinal cup of Feyenoord, ed.). And I think we now need more of a coach with more experience.”

The 39-year-old Heitinga reacted professionally to the decision. “He took it like he is: with a lot of personality. John took over in a difficult time, is an Ajax icon and has helped the club. We went from fifth to third place,” said Mislintat, who has been in Amsterdam for less than a month.

The director has already spoken with several candidates, he admits. “Now we can intensify that.” On names he would not comment, although he understands why Peter Bosz’s name often falls.

“I worked with him at Borussia Dortmund, spoke with him when I was at Stuttgart and Peter has already been an Ajax coach. So I understand that you are asking about him.”

What about Heitinga’s future? That is still unclear. What is certain is that he will not be an assistant to the Amsterdammers’ yet-to-be-appointed head coach. “We will enter into talks with him to see how we can best help his development as a coach. Now there is still disappointment, so we will talk about that later.”