Table of Contents
- Heitinga's Revenge at Chelsea
- Heitinga's Time at Everton
- Heitinga as Ajax Manager
- Coaching Philosophy and Challenges
- Current Situation at Ajax
JOHN HEITINGA is unlikely to be fondly remembered by Chelsea fans, and many will be seeking a bit of revenge this evening.
The Dutchman, who leads his Ajax team this week, was a key figure in the Everton midfield when he infuriated Blues supporters in 2011.
Heitinga spent five years at Everton, making over 110 Premier League appearances for the club.Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Chelsea fans of a certain generation will recall how a shove from Heitinga caused Ashley Cole to miss a penalty in the FA Cup fourth round.Credit: Sky Sports
The Dutchman will bring his Ajax team to Stamford Bridge, hoping to upset Chelsea in the Champions League.Credit: Getty
During a fourth-round replay that went to penalties, Heitinga successfully converted his spot-kick before pushing his way back to the halfway line.
The England and Blues left-back would subsequently miss his penalty, leading to Phil Neville eliminating the team from the competition.
Much time has passed since then, during which Heitinga has developed into a promising young manager, albeit one currently facing growing pressure in a challenging situation at Ajax.
The former Dutch international, who began his career in the club’s academy, started his coaching journey there.
While working with Ajax's youth teams, he oversaw the development of stars such as Hato and now-defender Brobbey.
He gave Hato his Eredivisie debut when he stepped in as caretaker for the first team at the end of the 2022-23 season.
After gaining experience in the Ajax academy and a brief stint as head coach, Heitinga returned to English football, where he had the opportunity to work with his former manager, David Moyes, at West Ham.
Heitinga has frequently praised Moyes for his management style and the intensity with which his teams played.
Carlo Ancelotti was the Chelsea manager during that year and witnessed his team being eliminated from the Cup by Heitinga and company.Credit: PA
Speaking to the Athletic in 2020, Heitinga remarked: “I always say I had better tactical coaches, but mentally he was one of the best because there was a great team spirit, and you wanted to fight for him.”
Those who observed Heitinga at West Ham remember him fondly as a compassionate coach who was always willing to go the extra mile.
Young players were often encouraged to stay late and participate in additional training sessions, which Heitinga was always happy to facilitate.
When Moyes departed the London Stadium, Heitinga followed and joined Arne Slot at Feyenoord, where they, of course, won the title.
Heitinga and Slot faced a challenge when both were handed two-match bans following the Merseyside derby last season.
Heitinga collaborated with Slot, and they won the Premier League together before he took the Ajax job this season.Credit: AFP
After a year with the champions, Heitinga decided to venture out on his own, returning to a club he knows well but in a situation that felt quite unfamiliar.
The 41-year-old took his first permanent head coaching position at a time when Ajax is not the power it once was, both in a
