Maurice Steijn is the new trainer of Ajax. The current coach of Sparta Rotterdam signs a contract for three seasons. The 49-year-old trainer had an ongoing contract with Sparta that will be bought off by Ajax, the club management of the Rotterdam team has confirmed. Nothing has been announced about the amount of the transfer fee. Steijn succeeds John Heitinga, who finished the season at Ajax as an interim coach without much success.
Last season, Steijn saved Sparta from relegation as an interim coach at the last minute. This season he performed above expectations and Sparta finished in sixth place. In the battle for a ticket for European football, he lost the final of the play-offs against FC Twente.
Threats
The 49-year-old Hagenees previously worked at ADO Den Haag, VVV Venlo and NAC Breda. At the latter club, results were not forthcoming and he resigned because of threats. At ADO Den Haag he was fired in his third season. He was then with his team in last place in the premier league.
In Venlo, the trainer had a successful period of no less than five years. In 2017 he celebrated the championship of the first division with the Limburgers and received the Rinus Michels Award for the best trainer. The following two seasons he managed to keep VVV-Venlo at the highest level.
Hedwiges Maduro
According to various media, the Amsterdammers Hedwiges Maduro see Steijn as the perfect assistant. Maduro is currently on the bench at Almere City as assistant to Alex Pastoor. Almere was promoted to the Eredivisie for the first time in history last night. Maduro’s contract is also still running.