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Ajax appoint John van ‘t Schip as interim manager

Ajax appoint John van 't Schip as interim manager

Ajax have announced the appointment of John van ‘t Schip as the club’s new interim manager following the unceremonial departure of Maurice Steijn.

Steijn was handed his marching orders after an abysmal run of five consecutive league defeats, which left the club at the foot of the table, plunging their Eredivisie future into chaos.

Before his exit, Steijn steered de Godenzonen to four defeats on the trot across all competitions, the latest coming in a disheartening 5-2 De Klassieker thrashing at the hands of PSV Eindhoven.

Van ‘t Schip, who is a familiar face at Ajax, having spent a decade representing the club as a player as well as several stints as caretaker manager, will be hoping to turn their fortunes around.

The 59-year-old re-joins the Amsterdamers after a 26-match spell with the Greece national team, where he recorded 1.62 points per match.

Van ‘t Schip said: “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 CEO Jan van Halst added: “John is a true Ajax player who has gained a lot of experience at home and abroad, both on and off the field. 

“As far as we are concerned, he is the right person for now to put a positive spin on the performance. First of all, as head coach with the first team. In the longer term, another technical role will be in store for him.”

Ajax have taken just five points from their opening eight league games, which leaves them languishing at the foot of the table, three points away from safety.

Van ‘t Schip will make his debut against 16th-placed Volendam, hoping for a victory that could take the record Eredivisie champions out of the danger zone.

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