Dutch giant Ajax today have announced the departure of head coach Maurice Steijn following his poor run into the 2023-24 season. Maurice, who joined Ajax last summer from Sparta Rotterdam had a contract that runs until June 30, 2026, but has struggled to retain Ajax on the glorious level they are known to always fly in.
“Ajax and Maurice Steijn are parting ways with immediate effect. The club management and Steijn have jointly decided that the trainer will resign his duties. Steijn (The Hague, November 20, 1973) came to Ajax from Sparta Rotterdam last summer and signed a contract in Amsterdam until June 30, 2026.”
Maurice, who labelled his poor run as a shame, confirmed that after the meeting he had with the board management, a conclusion was reached for both parties to cut ties:
“This morning I had a meeting with the management, and we met again at the end of the afternoon. We concluded that this is now the best thing for Ajax, although I think it is a terrible shame. Everyone knows that I have done everything I can to bring Ajax back to where this club belongs. But I was not successful. I would like to thank the supporters and the people I have worked with here, and I hope that Ajax will soon take the road up.”
Jan Van who also confirmed that a meeting was held with Maurice today, revealed that the result of the team is lagging behind and he Maurice has decided to quit.
“We have worked together very intensively and professionally in recent months, but the sporting results and the development of the team lagged behind. That is why we sat around the table again today. Maurice now also indicated that he had doubts whether he is still the right man in the right place. Together, we then concluded that it is better to part ways. Hedwiges Maduro will do the honours for the time being.”
Ajax’s poor run in the Dutch league has landed the defending Champions in the last two places on the bottom of the log. They have only amassed 5 points after 7 games.
