Ajax is hoping to hire Arsenal assistant manager Albert Stuivenberg as their new head coach, according to reports. The Dutch club is on the lookout for a new boss after firing Maurice Steijn on Monday following an awful run of form that had seen the team surprisingly slip into the Eredivisie relegation zone.
They originally had their sight set on Erik ten Hag’s No.2 Mitchell van der Gaag, but he has no plans of leaving Manchester United. Van der Gaag was recommended to Ajax by former Manchester Manager Louis van Gaal who recently came back to the club in an advisory role.
But after missing their shot with him, Van Gaal has quickly suggested that Stuivenberg who served as his assistant coach from 2014 to 2016 at Old Trafford be appointed.
Per reports by Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad, via The Mirror, it is hoped that Albert Stuivenberg will create an attacking style of play and bring back the club’s former glory, with Ajax a whopping 22 points of league leaders PSV.
The 53-year-old was also assistant manager for Wales under Ryan Giggs and Rob Page and was in the leading Belgian side Genk for a year. In 2019, he moved to the Gunners to assist the newly appointed Mikel Arteta and has been at his side since then.
It is yet to be known if Stuivenberg would be interested in joining the Dutch side, but one certain thing is that Arteta wouldn’t want to lose a key member of his coaching staff, especially with their chances of winning the league being the best it’s been for many years.
After running close to the Citizens last season, Arsenal have begun this campaign excellently, undefeated after nine matches and just two points behind leaders Tottenham.
As Ajax continues their search, Steijn’s assistant Hedwiges Maduro will take charge of the club temporarily and they are reportedly also in talks with John van t’ Schip to become the head coach for the rest of the season.
Ajax will swing back in action tonight when they travel to Brighton for a crucial Europa League clash.
Meanwhile, fresh from their Champions League victory over Sevilla, Stuivenberg will be at Arterta’s side for the Gunners’ next match on Saturday at home to Sheffield United.
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