Ajax forced to step in and name SIXTH manager of 2023 despite turning fortunes around with five straight league wins
AJAX have been forced to name their sixth manager of 2023 – despite reversing horrendous form with five straight victories.
But Michael Valkanis has replaced John Van’t Schip for the happiest – and most temporary – of reasons.
Ex-Greece manager Van’t Schip only took over on October 30 after four defeats in a row for predecessor Maurice Steijn left Ajax second bottom.
But the Dutchman has now headed to Australia for his son’s wedding.
That means his assistant Valkanis – an AUSSIE – is taking charge for two games.
His first match, however, saw Ajax blow victory in a dramatic home draw with Zvolle.
Holland frontman Brian Brobbey – once linked to Manchester United -struck twice to leave Valkanis’ men 2-0.
But German striker Lennart Thy stole a point for the visitors with goals on 60 and 89 minutes.
Welcoming his brief appointment, Valkanis said: “It is an honour to have this role for a while, we will continue to do the work we have put in since day one.
“I am very passionate and love teams that play attacking football.
“I am very competitive in my own right and I want the teams I am involved to have that too and take to the field to win.
“Football means everything to me. I played it from an early age and then immediately got into coaching.”
Having begun the year with Alfred Screuder as boss, Ajax’s surprise plight meant John Heitinga, Maurice Steijn, Hedwiges Maduro were also given a go.
They finally steadied the “Schip” with their last appointment two months ago.