John Heitinga extended his contract in November last year. His commitment to Ajax runs until June 30, 2025. Last weekend, Heitinga (Alphen aan den Rijn, November 15, 1983) functioned as interim head coach during the victorious match against Excelsior (1-4). Since the summer of 20121, he has been the head coach of Ajax U23. The ex-international followed the youth academy in Amsterdam and played seven seasons for the club.
Before he made his return to Ajax in 2015, Heitinga played for Atlético Madrid, Everton, Fulham, and Hertha BSC. After he stopped playing football in 2016, Heitinga had several coaching positions within Ajax's youth academy. In 2016/2017, he was assistant coach to Marcel Keizer at Ajax U23, and lead the best youth team, the current U18, between 2017 and 2021.
Assistant
Lodeweges (Tuner Valley, October 26, 1957) has signed a contract at Ajax that starts with immediate effect and runs until June 30, 2023. The Dutch former professional football player with Canadian roots started his coaching career at Go Ahead Eagles, a club where he used to play. Additionally, Lodeweges coached PEC Zwolle, FC Groningen, and sc Heerenveen.
During his time at PSV, he was assistant and interim manager, before he started as an assistant manager at the Dutch national team. Recently, he joined the Board of Directors at sc Heerenveen but let go of that role due to his employment at Ajax.
Edwin van der Sar: "We are convinced that this is the right solution. John is on a clear and steady path, which has resulted in him developing himself very well over the years. Gerry Hamstra, Klaas Jan Huntelaar, and I have had multiple conversations, and we obviously held some with John. We feel confident about John’s qualities and the vision he has. While looking for additions to the technical staff, we unanimously agreed on Dwight Lodeweges. His knowledge and extensive coaching experience work complementary to John and the rest of the staff. The team now has to win, work on their confidence, and develop themselves further. We still have a lot to fight for this season."
Recovery session led by John Heitinga
Ajax's recovery session took place under the guidance of John Heitinga. The 39-year-old coach replaced Alfred Schreuder, who was removed from active duty after the match against FC Volendam Thursday evening.
