Suddenly, Ten Hag has two job opportunities

After Ajax’s heavy 0–3 defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League, John Heitinga’s fate is practically sealed, and local media report that club director Alex Kroes has already contacted Erik ten Hag. According to the portal AD, two days before the Champions League debacle, Kroes had a meeting with Ten Hag — the coach under whom Ajax shone between 2018 and 2022. Although sources close to the club claim it was merely “a casual coffee meeting that had been planned long ago,” there’s no doubt that the outcome of the match against the Turkish side has made the situation much more serious. After the humiliating loss, the supporters’ group AFCA Supportersclub released a sharp statement demanding an immediate coaching change and the hiring of an experienced expert, declaring: “This kind of football brings tears to our eyes”.

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The situation at Ajax is dramatic, and the club management is aware that the problem runs deeper than just the head coach. Still, almost no one within or around the club believes in a quick turnaround, especially ahead of the tough away game against Utrecht. Even captain Davy Klaassen, after the match, said he still sees “foundations for growth” in the team, refusing to publicly back Heitinga. For director Kroes — whose own position is also under threat — Erik ten Hag remains practically the only logical and realistic option, perhaps even the club’s salvation.

Ten Hag, currently unemployed after an unsuccessful stint at Leverkusen, has also been linked with Wolverhampton. Although he would have to work with a weaker squad than during his first successful spell (2018–2022), analysts believe that only he can restore the team’s much-needed stability. Moreover, given Ajax’s current state, things can only improve, which reduces the risk for any coach stepping in. Even though Heitinga’s dismissal would be painful — considering he’s a former club legend — resuming talks with Ten Hag after yet another Champions League failure now seems inevitable. During his previous tenure at Ajax, Ten Hag won three Eredivisie titles, two Dutch Cups, and reached the Champions League semifinals in the 2018–2019 season, where they were heartbreakingly eliminated by Tottenham.

UEFA - EUROPA LEAGUE MATCHDAY 4

Thursday

20.45: (1.55) Basel (4.10) FCSB (6.25)

20.45: (3.25) Crvena Zvezda (3.50) Lille (2.30)

20.45: (2.70) Dinamo Zagreb (3.30) Celta (2.85)

20.45: (2.90) Malmo (3.30) Panathinaikos (2.65)

20.45: (2.10) Midtjylland (3.50) Celtic (3.80)

20.45: (2.65) Nice (3.20) Freiburg (2.75)

20.45: (1.67) Salzburg (3.80) Go Ahead (5.30)

20.45: (4.70) Sturm (4.00) Nott.Forest (1.70)

20.45: (4.80) Utrecht (3.60) Porto (1.77)

23.00: (1.23) Aston Villa (6.25) Maccabi T.A. (13.0)

23.00: (1.90) Betis (3.60) Olympique Lyon (4.50)

23.00: (1.38) Bologna (4.80) Brann (8.50)

23.00: (1.70) Braga (3.85) Genk (4.90)

23.00: (1.75) Ferencvaros (4.00) Ludogorets (4.85)

23.00: (1.65) PAOK (3.90) Young Boys (6.00)

23.00: (3.10) Plzen (3.40) Fenerbahce (2.30)

23.00: (5.50) Rangers (3.80) Roma (1.72)

23.00: (1.77) Stuttgart (3.70) Feyenoord (5.30)

***odds are subject to change***