Pressure mounting on Ajax manager John Heitinga after 2-0 defeat against AZ at home

Ajax suffered a 2–0 home defeat to AZ on Saturday, with the visitors exploiting two defensive lapses from John Heitinga’s team before the interval. It is Ajax's first defeat of the Eredivisie season, after four consecutive away draws.

The result leaves Ajax six points adrift of PSV and potentially nine behind league leaders Feyenoord if the Rotterdam club wins on Sunday. AZ, meanwhile, climbs two points above the Amsterdam giants. Despite mounting pressure, technical director Alex Kroes voiced his confidence in Heitinga last week, a sentiment the coach echoed, saying, “We’re in the same boat.” That support may soon be tested, however, with upcoming fixtures against Chelsea and FC Twente looming.

Ajax began brightly, pushing forward from the start and even finding the net within the first 20 seconds, only for Wout Weghorst’s assist to Kenneth Taylor to be ruled offside. The hosts dominated possession but failed to produce clear chances, their buildup play repeatedly breaking down through careless errors.

As has been a recurring theme this season, Ajax conceded from a corner midway through the first half. Goalkeeper Vítězslav Jaroš misjudged a curling delivery, allowing Weslley Patati to score in the 25th minute. AZ struck again just before halftime when Lucas Rosa clumsily conceded a penalty that Troy Parrott confidently converted.

Injuries continue to trouble Heitinga’s side, with Kasper Dolberg, Steven Berghuis, and Owen Wijndal all sidelined and Ko Itakura unable to start. 17-year-old Jorthy Mokio was handed a start in defensive midfield, while Oscar Gloukh replaced captain Davy Klaassen in the lineup. Mokio showed promise but took risky decisions in dangerous areas.

Even without Jordy Clasie and Mexx Meerdink, AZ rarely looked threatened after the break. The visitors held firm as frustration grew among the home fans, who jeered when Heitinga substituted Gloukh after 70 minutes. A late goal by Youri Baas was overturned after VAR spotted an elbow by Weghorst on Wouter Goes, sealing a sobering night for Ajax.