Ajax have sacked manager Marcel Keizer and his assistants Dennis Bergkamp and Hennie Spijkerman.
- by Michael Statham
- Follow Michael on Twitter @EredivisieMike
Keizer was only appointed lead ‘trainer’ of the Dutch giants last summer, but following the cup exit to Twente last night, Ajax have decided to let Keizer go.
General Manager Edwin van der Sar explained though that there was more to the sacking than the cup disappointment. “We had a bad summer and a dodgy start to the season. Everyone saw that.”
Ajax lost to Nice in the Champions League play-offs and then dropped out of Europe completely after losing to Rosenborg over two legs in August.
Van der Sar elaborated, “From a sporting point of view, European elimination was the low point. In particular, Marc Overmars and I have frequently spoken in the months afterwards about the volatility of the first team. We are not confident that we will achieve the level that we are striving for with Ajax in this way. I regret this.”
“Together with the Supervisory Board, we as management didn’t make a decision overnight and are grateful to Marcel, Dennis and Hennie for their efforts for the club.”
Ajax face Willem II at the weekend in the league. A replacement is likely to be found in the winter break.
Want more Ajax? Listen to our podcast where we talk about the title-race and star players Matthijs De Ligt, Frenkie De Jong and new signing Perr Schuurs.
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Writer/interviewer/YouTuber for Football-Oranje. Massive Dutch football fan from the UK. Follow me @EredivisieMike & subscribe to Football-Oranje on YouTube.
