Ajax have dismissed manager Alfred Schreuder after a string of poor performances by the club. The 50-year-old coach previously held similar roles with Club Brugge, Hoffenheim, and FC Twente. Club CEO Edwin van der Sar issued a statement on the change.

“This is a painful decision, but it’s necessary,” van der Sar stated. “Regardless of the good start to the season, we lost a lot of unnecessary points. The football itself was precarious too.”

“Due to the World Cup, we had an early and long break during the winter. We gave Alfred our time and trust to change the way things were going. It became clear to us that he could not change the tide.”

Alfred Schreuder sacked despite fast start for Ajax

Despite winning their first six league games of the current campaign, Ajax currently sit fifth in the Eredivisie table. The typical Dutch powerhouse has not recorded a victory in league play since October. In fact, Ajax have six consecutive Eredivisie draws and have only kept one clean sheet since September.

Schreuder was brought in during the summer to replace Erik ten Hag. It was a very transitional time for the two-time defending Dutch champions. In addition to losing their manager to Manchester United, Ajax also sold some key players. Antony, Lisandro Martinez, Ryan Gravenberch, Sebastien Haller, Andre Onana and Nicolas Tagliafico all departed in the summer transfer window.

Club had high expectations regardless of key departures

Despite this, van der Sar still had big expectations for the club moving forward. “Regardless of the many transfers that took place, we consider the squad fit for a championship,” proclaimed the legendary former goalkeeper. “We lost a lot of points over the last few weeks and sadly saw a lack of progression.”

Along with Schreuder, Ajax also announced that assistant coach Matthias Kaltenbach has left the club as well. The club has not yet named a permanent successor, but will need to bounce back quickly. Ajax next play Excelsior on Jan. 29.

PHOTO: IMAGO / Pro Shots