John Heitinga has left his role as assistant coach at Liverpool to become the new head coach of Dutch club Ajax, signing a two-year deal.
The former Netherlands defender returns to his boyhood club, where he previously served as interim head coach.
Heitinga spent one season at Liverpool, helping them win the Premier League title, and was also a first-team coach at West Ham.
He succeeds Francesco Farioli, who departed Ajax after a season that saw them lose the Eredivisie title on the final day.
Ajax’s technical director, Alex Kroes, praised Heitinga’s ambition and development, expressing confidence in his ability to improve the team.
Heitinga himself stated he is “incredibly excited” to start and honored to take on the opportunity at Ajax.
