Friday, June 2, 2023 at 07:59• Mart Oude Nijeweeme • Last update: 07:59

Sven Mislintat hopes to appoint a new head coach for Ajax’s flagship as soon as possible. On Thursday it was announced that the German is not interested in a longer stay for John Heitinga. In addition to appointing a new trainer, Mislintat will also have to consider the composition of the selection. Two positions have high priority in his eyes.

The Telegraph writes that Mislintat reacted ‘fiercely’ when asked if it was difficult to liquidate a club icon with Heitinga. “It is not about a settlement of a club icon. It was about a decision for the future of Ajax. We have looked at all kinds of things related to football. A settlement would mean that we would not help him, speak or close the door We just want to help him in the best way to get better as a manager and get ready for the job in the future.”

The coming period will be all about appointing a new trainer and getting the selection in order for Mislintat. The German seems to be taking a number of outgoing transfers into account. “It is clear which players are most attractive to big clubs,” said Mislintat. “That includes Mohammed Kudus, but a departure depends on the market and budgets. Jurriën Timber and Edson Alvarez are also part of that, yes. If you look at the composition of the current selection, we need a central defender and a striker Every position must be occupied twice, so we are short in numbers.”

Mislintat says he feels ‘comfortable’ with what financial director Susan Lenderink allows him to spend. “How much I can spend, I don’t express in amounts,” says Mislintat. “If we get players, it means that they have to fit our style of play. And then it is clear that technical and stylish players are interesting. But also think about other aspects of total football: the ball has to be back in the team quickly, so the players have to be ultra fit. It’s my responsibility who gets signed. I’m there to monitor the long term.”