The boss of Ajax, John Heitinga, excited for the coming season, but is `far from satisfied ”

The new boss of Ajax, John Heitinga, is less than two weeks to start his first season at the helm, but is always “far from being satisfied”, judging by what he saw in the training of the pre-season.

Heitinga joined Liverpool Ajax, where he was assistant to Arne Slot during their triumphant 2024/25 season. Before his stay in Liverpool, Heitinga was director of the goalkeeper in Ajax in the last months of the 2022/23 season after the dismissal of Alfred Schreuder.

The former defender of Ajax, Everton and Atletico Madrid joined Ajax in May after Francesco Farioli decided to leave the club after one season in charge. Heitinga is satisfied with the pleasure and intensity of the team, he told Ajax TV.

“It’s fun, we do it together and we have a good time. We have had a lot of training sessions and a number of training games. I see a lot of enthusiasm and will, not only players but also staff. We are looking forward to.”

Despite this, however, Heitinga sees a lot of room for improvement before a difficult season of Eredivisie. “I think we saw big goals during the pre-season, but we are still far from satisfied.”

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During his first games in charge, fans and experts quickly saw the contours of Heitinga tactics: a high pressure system bearing a lot of intensity. It is a system that makes the former Dutch international happy to see being played by this group, which has many young players.

“You see this, for example, when the ball is won at the top of the field. You also see it in certain combinations and the creativity of the players. But I also mention the counterfection when it is well executed.”

Heitinga has enabled many young players to present their skills during the pre-season. Aaron Bouwman, Rayane Bounida and Sean Steur all left good impressions after playing in precious minutes.

“It’s Ajax, it’s our DNA, and that’s what suits the club”, ” Heitinga continues. “I now have players with potential on the field for a longer period. It’s fun and refreshing, and certainly frivolous too.

“But it’s always everywhere: very well so good. But a large part comes from enthusiasm, and it’s pleasant to see.”

Transfers

With the transfer of Jorrel Hato to Chelsea on the horizon, and Ajax looking for a new midfielder controlling after the departure of Captain Jordan Henderson, Heitinga is not yet sure what the team will look like the season is taking place next week.

“There will certainly be players who will come and the players go. Together, we are looking for what is best for the club and how we think we can start the season as much as possible.”

The imminent arrival of Oscar Gloukh gives Ajax a creative impulse. Vitezslav Jaros, Raul Moro and the talent of goalkeeper Jeri Heerkens joined the club earlier in the transfer window. Especially Jaros and Moro should play great roles for Ajax this season.

“In any case, we are ready for the start of the competition. But we all know that it could always be a very turbulent period. This is something that we have to take into account, and as a trainer, I certainly do it. You are still happy when September 1 arrives. So you know where you are.”

Championship aspirations

Ajax wasted a huge opportunity to raise an improbable title last season when the Amsterdam team wasted a two -digit lead in the last weeks of the season. This season, the giants of Amsterdam want to return to the top of the hill.

“The club said that we have to compete for the championship. But I have already said:” There is a difference between wanting and duty “. Of course, I want to be champion. I am not only talking about for myself, but also for the name of the team.”

Ajax opens the season next weekend, Sunday, August 10, with a home game against Teltar.