Ajax appoint John Van ‘t Schip as interim manager until the end of the season following the sacking of Maurice Steijn | OneFootball

Ajax have announced the appointment of John Van ‘t Schip as interim manager until the end of the season. The former Ajax player has signed an agreement with the club that runs until June 30, 2025. Van ‘t Schip will become technical manager at the club as of July 2024.

Michael Valkanis, head coach of Hapoel Tel Aviv until today, has been appointed as Van ‘t Schip’s assistant. Valkanis and Van ‘t Schip previously worked together for the Greece national team, Melbourne City and PEC Zwolle. Hedwiges Maduro has been interim manager ever since the sacking of Maurice Steijn last week. He’ll return to his role as an assistant coach. Temporary assistant coach Dave Vos will resume his duties as head coach of Jong Ajax from today.

Speaking about his appointment, Van ‘t Schip told the club website ‘I am happy that it has been completed and I am very much looking forward to starting at the club where it all started for me. From the conversations I have had with everyone involved about this, I have a very good feeling left. Ajax must quickly take the sporting path upwards and I am happy to contribute to that.’

Ajax are off to the worst start ever in a league season. On Sunday, the Dutch giants suffered their fifth defeat in eight Eredivisie matches, losing 5-2 to PSV. The Dutch giants are currently rock bottom of the table and their chances of dropping down to the Eerste Divisie have been increasing each week. Fans of the Amsterdam club will be hopeful that John Van ‘t Schip can save their season.

GBeNeFN | Hugo Hargreaves