Maurice Steijn was officially presented this afternoon as the new trainer of Ajax. The Hagenees signed this morning until the summer of 2026 in the capital. Steijn and technical director Mislintat joined a press conference and further explained the choice for the Hague resident.
“In the construction I was surprised, I did not expect to arrive at Ajax”, Steijn admitted. “The first contact was made a few weeks ago and I heard that I was one of the candidates. Gradually I got more and more feeling about it.”
A shortlist was created with four names, which also included Steijn and John Heitinga. That’s what Mislintat says. Steijn: “I spoke with Sven, Edwin van der Sar, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Jan van Halst. They ultimately chose me.”
‘Champion and European top’
Steijn understands the skepticism of the fans: “Of course I am not a typical Ajax man. I hope it can become a very good marriage. At Ajax you are looking for a combination of winning and beautiful football. The plan is to aim for the highest : become champion and join the European top.”
The new coach also expects to be able to play the Ajax game. “I also strived for that at Sparta. We have always played to win, but not always with the best team. Now I am in the situation with the best players, which is a great challenge.”
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Steijn is assisted in Amsterdam anyway by Saïd Bakkali and the name of Hedwiges Maduro is also mentioned. “He is not there yet, but I hope he will come”, Steijn responds to those rumors. “They complement me well as young, ambitious assistants. Hedwiges is Ajax, he knows what the club stands for and embodies what I don’t have. I think it’s a good combination.”
Diving board
“Ajax can also be a springboard for players and trainers”, Mislintact parried the criticism that Steijn has never trained a big club. “We also did that with Erik ten Hag, for example. I had the same experiences with Jürgen Klop and Thomas Tichel at Borussia Dortmund. Because of what Maurice did at Sparta, he had to be a candidate.”
“He convinced us to be able to play Ajax football,” adds the German. “He is also a team player, he has personality. That is what we need: to be proud and to make the most of our strengths. Together we stand for success.”
Dealing with pressure
Especially by staying true to himself, Steijn wants to endure the pressure at Ajax. “It is the largest club in the Netherlands. That includes more pressure, I will deal with it very soberly and realistically, as I have always done. You know how big Ajax is, not only in the Netherlands, but also abroad. When you walk through the corridors, you see how big Ajax is, I am very aware of that.”