The Hague
Ajax has decided to part ways with coach Maurice Steijn, effective immediately, following a disappointing start to the season. Assistant coach Hedwiges Maduro will take over the role temporarily. Maurice Steijn, 49 years old, joined Ajax from Sparta Rotterdam last summer, signing a contract that was supposed to run until mid-2026. However, after a poor start to the season, with only one win, two draws, and four defeats, Ajax currently finds itself in a historically low 17th position out of 18 teams in the Dutch Eredivisie. Their recent 4-3 loss to bottom-side FC Utrecht was a particularly low point. Steijn commented on the situation, 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. Interim general director Jan van Halst added, We have worked intensely and professionally together over the last few months. But the sporting successes and the development of the team were lacking. Together, we decided that it would be best to part ways. Steijn’s departure comes about a month after the dismissal of director of football Sven Mislintat, who was tasked with rebuilding Ajax but struggled to make a significant impact with the twelve new signings he brought in, with a total transfer fee of around 110 million euros. Ajax is a record Dutch champion with 36 national titles, winning the most recent one just a year ago in 2022. The club has never been relegated from the Eredivisie, the top Dutch professional league, since its inception. Their lowest-ever ranking in the Eredivisie was 13th place in the 1964/1965 season.
