Alfred Schreuder is SACKED by Ajax after 1-1 draw at home to struggling Volendam – with the Dutch champions fifth in the Eredivisie table having won just one of their last seven matches
Alfred Schreuder has been sacked from his role as Ajax manager after a woeful 1-1 draw with Volendam extended his side’s poor run of form.
The Dutch giants have won only two games since November 1, and a late equaliser from Ghana star Mohammed Kudus was the only thing to prevent even further embarrassment.
The Dutch champions drew at home to an ailing Volendam side and it proved to be the final straw for Schreuder, who has struggled since taking over from Erik ten Hag this season.
Alfred Schreuder was removed from his role as Ajax manager after a 1-1 draw with Volendam
The club’s fans had grown increasingly impatient with the team’s progress under Schreuder
Thursday’s draw was Schreuder’s sixth in the last nine games at the helm, and pressure had begun to mount on his shoulders with the fanbase growing increasingly impatient.
Immediately following the poor result in midweek, the club released a statement, which read: ‘Ajax has immediately suspended Alfred Schreuder. The trainer’s contract was valid until June 30, 2024, but will now be terminated immediately.
‘The many points lost and the team’s lack of development are the main reasons for this decision. The club management no longer has confidence in further cooperation.
Schreuder is set to be followed out of the club by his assistant Matthias Kaltenbach
‘The collaboration with assistant coach Matthias Kaltenbach will also be terminated.’
Historically the most successful side in Dutch football, Ajax enjoyed a sensational Eredivisie-Dutch Cup double last term under new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag – who has evidently proven to be a tough act to follow in the Dutch capital.
Schreuder’s Ajax are now sat in fifth in the Dutch top-flight, seven points behind leaders Feyenoord, and stuck behind rivals PSV, AZ Alkmaar and Twente as well.
The Dutchman faced an open revolt from his players, who reportedly lost faith in his power
A poor showing in Europe also saw De Godenzonen finish third in their Champions League group – albeit behind Liverpool and Napoli – and they will now face Union Berlin in the Europa League play-offs.
Ajax chief executive Edwin van der Saar admitted that it was a painful move for the club to remove their manager, but one that needed to happen for the club to get back to where they should be.
‘It is a painful decision, but also a necessary one,’ the former goalkeeper began. ‘After a good start to the season, we then lost an unnecessary number of points.
It has been suggested that the club lack leadership at the top after the departure of Erik ten Hag
‘The game was also volatile. The World Cup meant an early and long winter break. time and kept us confident to change things and improve.
In recent weeks it became increasingly clear that he could not turn the tide, while we believe that despite the many transfers he had a strong and championship worthy squad at his disposal.
‘We have also lost a lot of points in recent weeks and unfortunately we did not see any progress.’
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