Heitinga joined Ajax from Liverpool, where he served as Arne Slot's assistant during their triumphant 2024/25 season. Before his time in Liverpool, Heitinga served as the caretaker manager at Ajax in the final months of the 2022/23 season following Alfred Schreuder's dismissal.
The former Ajax, Everton, and Atletico Madrid defender rejoined Ajax in May after Francesco Farioli decided to leave the club after one season in charge. Heitinga is happy with the fun and intensity of the team, he told Ajax TV.
"It's fun, we do it together and have a great time. We've had a lot of training sessions and a number of practice matches. I see a lot of enthusiasm and willingness, not only from the players but also from the staff. We're looking forward to it."
Despite that, though, Heitinga sees a lot of room for improvement ahead of a challenging Eredivisie season. "I think we saw some great goals during the preseason, but we are still far from satisfied."
High press
During his first games in charge, fans and experts soon saw the contours of Heitinga's tactics: a high-pressing system carrying a lot of intensity. It's a system that makes the former Dutch international happy to see being played by this group, which has a lot of young players.
"You see that, for example, when the ball is won back high up the pitch. You also see it in certain combinations and the creativity of players. But I also mention the counter-press when it's executed well."
Heitinga allowed many young players to showcase their skills during the preseason. Aaron Bouwman, Rayane Bounida, and Sean Steur all left good impressions after getting to play valuable minutes.
"That's Ajax, that's our DNA, and that's what suits the club," Heitinga continues. "I now have players with potential on the field for a longer period of time. That's fun and refreshing, and certainly frivolous too.
"But it's still all over the place: from very good to not so good. But a lot of it comes from enthusiasm, and that's nice to see."
Transfers
With Jorrel Hato's transfer to Chelsea on the horizon, and Ajax still looking for a new controlling midfielder after the departure of captain Jordan Henderson, Heitinga is not yet sure how the squad will look by the time the season gets rolling next week.
"There will certainly be players coming and players going. Together, we are looking for what is best for the club and how we think we can start the season as strongly as possible."
The imminent arrival of Oscar Gloukh gives Ajax a creative impulse. Vitezslav Jaros, Raul Moro, and goalkeeping talent Joeri Heerkens joined the club earlier in the transfer window. Especially Jaros and Moro are set to play big roles for Ajax this season.
"In any case, we are ready for the start of the competition. But we all know that it could still be a very turbulent period. That is something we have to take into account, and as a trainer, I certainly do. You are always happy when 1 September arrives. Then you know where you stand."
Championship aspirations
Ajax wasted a huge opportunity to lift an unlikely title last season when the Amsterdam side squandered a double-digit lead in the final weeks of the season. This season, the Amsterdam giants want to return to the top of the hill.
"The club has stated that we must compete for the championship. But I've said it before: "There's a difference between wanting and having to”. Of course, I want to be champion. I'm not just speaking for myself, but also on behalf of the team."
Ajax open the season next weekend, on Sunday, August 10th, with a home game against Telstar.