Ajax have fired manager Maurice Steijn after just four months in charge following their dreadful start to the Eredivisie season.

The Dutch side are currently second bottom of the league after only mustering a single win from their opening seven matches. They have also conceded 16 goals, the worst defensive record in the division.

In a statement on Monday, Ajax confirmed that Steijn has agreed to step down with immediate effect.

The statement read: “Ajax and Maurice Steijn will part ways with immediate effect. The club management and Steijn have agreed that the coach will step down from his position. Steijn (Den Haag, November 20, 1973) transferred from Sparta Rotterdam to Ajax this summer and signed a contract until June 30, 2026.”

Steijn’s departure comes just a few days after Ajax was eliminated from the KNVB Beker in the second round by NEC Nijmegen.

The club has confirmed that Hedwiges Maduro will take over as interim manager until a replacement for Steijn is found.

Confirming Steijn depature, Ajax Chief Executive Jan van Halst said: “We have worked intensely and professionally together over the last few months. But the sporting successes and the development of the team were lacking. 

“That is why we decided to sit down together again today. This time, Maurice also expressed his concerns on whether he was the right man in the right place. Together, we decided that it would be best to part ways. Hedwiges Maduro will do the honours for the coming period.”

Ajax is the most successful club in Dutch history, having won the Eredivisie title a record 36 times. 

However, they have not won the league since 2021 and are now facing a real battle to qualify for Europe next season.