Ajax sack manager in bid to avoid shock relegation with former World Cup star to take charge of team

AJAX have sacked their manager Maurice Steijn after a disastrous start to their campaign.

The Dutch giants have endured a turbulent season that has seen them dropping to the relegation zone and losing five out of 11 matches across all competitions.

The Amsterdam outfit have also lost a staggering four out of their first seven matches in the Eredivisie, of which they have only won one.

That means Ajax are now 17th in the table with only one point separating them from Volendam, who are at the bottom.

This marks their worst ever position in the Dutch top flight.

Steijn was hired in June after a stunning campaign with Sparta Rotterdam.

The Dutch tactician led Sparta to sixth place after winning 17 out of 34 league games.

The 49-year-old replaced Everton cult hero Johnny Heitinga and signed a contract until 2026.

Steijn's assistant Hedwiges Maduro has been placed in caretaker charge.

That means Maduro will be in charge of the team on Thursday when they visit Brighton in the Europa League.

The 38-year-old is a former Ajax player himself, who enjoyed a successful career as he also played for Valencia and Sevilla.

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The ex-Groningen star also played for Holland in the 2006 World Cup.

Steijn said: “This morning, I sat down with the board, and we continued our talks later this afternoon.

"We came to the conclusion that this is what is best for Ajax, although I regret that.

"Everyone who knows me knows I have done everything to take Ajax back to the place where this club belongs. But I failed to do so.

"I want to thank the supporters and the people I have worked with here, and I hope Ajax will find its way up again soon.”