Alex Kroes

AFC Ajax technical director Alex Kroes is poised to depart following the decision to sack head coach John Heitinga amid a torrid 2025-26 season, as per sportblits.com. The 51 year old, who joined under scrutiny over share purchases, tendered his resignation after the move, though the board initially pushed for him to remain.

Heitinga, appointed in May 2025 from Liverpool, endured four consecutive Champions League losses, including a 3-0 defeat to Galatasaray, leaving Ajax last in their group and eighth in the Eredivisie, eight points behind PSV Eindhoven. Assistant Marcel Keizer was also sacked, with Fred Grim named interim manager. Kroes stated: “My contract runs until the end of the season; should the club appoint a new technical director earlier, I will hand over my responsibilities at that time.”

The turmoil has scared off candidates like Erik ten Hag, who rejected a return due to boardroom unrest, per De Telegraaf. As Ajax seek their eighth head coach in three and a half years, Kroes’ exit hastens the hunt for a new technical director.

Club insider Mike Verweij on De Telegraaf’s Kick-Off podcast named Jordi Cruyff and Maxwell as leading contenders. Cruyff, former Barcelona sporting director, could bring back Michael Kinsbergen, while ex Ajax captain Maxwell, once PSG’s technical director, offers top-tier connections. “Those are names that open many doors at other clubs. You’ll need someone to handle the dirty work around them,” Verweij said, dismissing Sven Mislintat and Maxwell Huiberts.

With Ajax staggering after seven straight European defeats and a 2-1 loss to FC Utrecht under Grim, the board is under fire. A Cruyff-Maxwell pairing could spark a revival.