Ajax had a topsy-turvy campaign last season, but they would be hoping that Steijn would work his magic as he did at Sparta Rotterdam
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey now has a new manager at Ajax, as they have confirmed the appointment of Maurice Steijn as John Heitinga’s replacement, Soccernet.ng reports.
Ajax had a topsy-turvy campaign last season, after losing some of their best stars they struggled to exude the dominance they had shown in recent years.
They lost coach Erik Ten Hag, Antony, and Lisandro Martinez to Manchester United, Ryan Gravenberch to Bayern Munich, and Sebastian Haller to Borussia Dortmund.
Bassey was brought in from Rangers to replace Martinez, but the move did not go well under the tutelage of Alfred Schreuder. Ajax were conceding goals for fun, and they were poor in front of goal.
Unfortunately for Bassey, he was often the scapegoat as many former Ajax players often criticized the 23-year-old defender.
The Godenzonen eventually parted ways with Schreuder in January and appointed Heitinga. With Heitinga’s arrival at the club, Bassey’s game time was reduced badly, with youngster Jorell Hato getting more minutes than the Nigerian star in the closing embers of the season.
Heitinga’s contract was supposed to end at the end of the season, and the club has been shopping for a replacement especially as he could only guide them to a third-place finish in the Eredivisie.
Bassey will now have a new boss at Ajax, as the club have announced the appointment of Steijn. The 49-year-old tactician was at Sparta Rotterdam last season. He transformed Sparta Rotterdam from a team that was fighting relegation two seasons ago, to a team that finished sixth last season.
Steijn is a manager that pays a lot of attention to his defense. As such he could help Bassey improve on his game.
Bassey has been linked with a transfer to the Premier League this summer. However, with the change of guard, the Super Eagles star may remain and fight for his place.
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