In that capacity they played three matches: two draws and one victory for Heitinga (2-1). An own goal by Wouter Goes killed the Alkmaar promises in February 2022. Both trainers received a Bronze Shield in their debut season for the best trainer in the first period (Martens) and second period (Heitinga). The award for best trainer of the season passed them by, that honor went to Dick Lukkien. He then worked at FC Emmen.
Due to the dismissal of Alfred Schreuder in January 2023, the former international of the Dutch national team was moved up to the first team. This started his first period as head coach at Ajax. Martens was also promoted at the end of that season and became an assistant at AZ’s first team.
First meeting as head coach
Due to the arrival of former technical director Sven Mislintat, Heitinga’s contract as head coach at Ajax was not extended and he left for West Ham United. The opportunity to become head coach also came for Martens. After Pascal Jansen’s disappointing results, he was fired and the Belgian took over in January 2024.
Heitinga’s second period as coach at Ajax started this summer after the departure of Francesco Farioli. That is why both trainers will compete against each other as head coaches for the first time on Sunday.
The North Holland derby between Ajax and AZ starts on Saturday evening at 9 p.m. Of course, you don’t have to miss anything from this match via our live blog on the site and in the app.