sport news Ajax's week from hell: A record 6-0 thumping by Feyenoord, their new CEO was ... trends now
Ajax's disastrous season continues to spiral, with a week from hell to add to their numerous struggles already during the campaign.
They are one of the most famous names in European football, and with 36 Eredivisie titles and 20 KNVB Cups to their name, they are the most successful club in Netherlands.
But not this season. They sit in sixth place in the league, suffered an early exit from their domestic cup, and struggled in European competitions.
In addition to the woeful results, they have been plagued with off-the-field issues too, including loud protests from the club's passionate fans, and a managerial merry-go-round since the exit of Erik ten Hag in 2022.
But a number of events over the past few days have added to Ajax's woes, and they will be desperate to seek a resolution to their issues quickly - and end this disastrous season as soon as possible.
Ajax have had the week from hell, both off the pitch, and suffering a 6-0 thumping on Sunday
John van't Schip took charge in October, but is set leave the club at the end of the season
The club's new CEO Alex Kroes was suspended after they accused him of 'insider trading'
The week started badly with Tuesday's news that they had suspended their new CEO Alex Kroes after 'indications he was engaged in insider trading'.
Then on Sunday, they were thrashed 6-0 by rivals Feyenoord, their heaviest-ever defeat in De Klassieker, and in the history of the Eredivisie since 1956.
The result leaves Ajax a whopping 33 points behind league leaders PSV Eindhoven, and 24 adrift of Feyenoord in second.
The managerial merry-go-round at Ajax temporarily stopped after John van't Schip took charge on October 30, but he is not expected to remain beyond the end of the season, spurring rampant speculation about his successor.
Man United assistant manager Mitchell van der Gaag and Liverpool's No 2 Pep Ljinders are thought to be on their managerial shortlist, along with several coaches around Europe.
But former Ajax, Barcelona and Netherlands striker Patrick Kluivert says he does not know why his former club have not talked to him about being their next head coach.
Kluivert, who played for Ajax between 1984 and 1997, told Rondo on Ziggo Sport 'it does hurt to see your club like this'.
Patrick Kluivert doesn't know why his former club have not reached out over the manager's job
Van 't Schip is in charge on an interim basis, but is not expected to remain as Ajax manager
Some have suggested that Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could return to the club
Graham Potter reportedly turned down the opportunity to apply for the top job, it was reported on Monday.
The former Brighton and Chelsea manager, 48, had been in talks with the Amsterdam club over a
