Soccer-Ajax confirm exit of rookie coach Heitinga

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Ajax will not extend the stay of coach John Heitinga after a disappointing 2022-23 season in which they finished third and failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2009, opting instead to hire a more experienced tactician.

Former Dutch international Heitinga, 39, took charge of the side at the end of January following the departure of Alfred Schreuder and agreed a deal up to the end of the campaign. It was his first role as head coach of a senior team, having formerly worked with the club’s reserves.