Heitinga Quits Liverpool for Ajax Head Coach Role
John Heitinga Leaves Liverpool to Become Ajax Head Coach
John Heitinga has left his position as assistant coach at Liverpool to take up the head coach role at Ajax, returning to the Dutch club where he began his football journey.
The 41-year-old former Netherlands international, who made over 200 appearances for Ajax during his playing career, has signed a two-year deal to lead the Amsterdam side.
He will be joined by Marcel Keizer, another product of the club’s famed academy, as his assistant.
Heitinga replaces Francesco Farioli, who departed following a disappointing end to the 2024–25 season.
Despite being nine points clear with seven games remaining, Farioli’s team suffered a dramatic collapse, ultimately finishing second behind champions PSV Eindhoven.
The late-season slump extended Ajax’s trophy drought to a third consecutive year.
Ajax’s technical director Alex Kroes praised Heitinga’s return:
“John is a driven, ambitious coach who has gained valuable experience in both the Premier League and Champions League.
He knows this club inside and out, and we believe he and Marcel can further develop our players and build on the foundations laid last season.”
Heitinga previously served as Ajax’s interim manager at the end of the 2022–23 campaign, guiding the team to third place with 14 wins from 22 matches.
He then spent a season as a first-team coach at West Ham under David Moyes before joining Arne Slot’s backroom staff at Liverpool.
Together, they helped guide the Reds to their second Premier League title in Slot’s debut season.
Now stepping back into the spotlight as a head coach, Heitinga expressed his enthusiasm:
“I’m incredibly excited to start this new chapter.
My time in England has been invaluable for my growth as a coach. I’m honoured to return to Ajax in this role and eager to get to work.”
Heitinga Quits Liverpool for Ajax Head Coach Role