Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam has stated reasons why it sacked manager Alfred Schreuder just eight months after he replaced Erik ten Hag as gaffer of the team.
According to the club, Schreuder cannot keep up with the tempo and pace of Ajax as the clubside has suffered a great set back since his arrival.
Schreuder’s departure was confirmed by chief executive Edwin van der Sar following Thursday night’s 1-1 draw at home to struggling Volendam. He leaves the Johan Cruyff Arena with Ajax without a win in their last seven league matches and in fifth place, seven points behind Eredivisie leaders Feyenoord.
Speaking after the draw with Volendam, Van der Sar explained: “It’s never nice to let go of people who worked hard. But we couldn’t keep going like this.”
Ajax confirmed the news in a statement which read: “Ajax has immediately suspended Alfred Schreuder. The trainer’s contract was valid until June 30, 2024, but will now be terminated immediately.
“The many points lost and the team’s lack of development are the main reasons for this decision. The club management no longer has confidence in further cooperation. The collaboration with assistant coach Matthias Kaltenbach will also be terminated.”
Meanwhile, Van der Sar is quoted: “It is a painful decision, but also a necessary one. After a good start to the season, we then lost an unnecessary number of points.
“The game was also volatile. The World Cup meant an early and long winter break time and kept us confident to change things and improve.
“In recent weeks it became increasingly clear that he could not turn the tide, while we believe that despite the many transfers he had a strong and championship worthy squad at his disposal. We have also lost a lot of points in recent weeks and unfortunately we did not see any progress.”
Having only lost once in the league before the end of October, a defeat to PSV Eindhoven was followed by a run of six draws spanning both before and after the World Cup break.
