Ajax show Maurice Steijn the door after dreadful start to the 2023-24 season

Steijn’s departure comes in the wake of a run of games that includes just one win from their first seven games.

Steijn signed a three-year contract with the club this summer after moving from Sparta Rotterdam, whom he led to a shock sixth-placed finish last season.

Ajax chief executive Jan van Halst said: “We have worked intensely and professionally together over the last few months.

“But the sportive successes and the development of the team were lacking. That is why we decided to sit down together again today.

“This time, Maurice also expressed his concerns on whether he was the right man in the right place. Together, we decided that it would be best to part ways.”

Ajax have been hit by crowd trouble this season with their derby against Feyenoord forced to finish behind closed doors, while their loss at Utrecht was also temporarily suspended late on.

Hedwiges Maduro has been appointed in caretaker charge of the club, starting with Thursday’s trip to Brighton in the Europa League.

READ MORE: Man Utd vs FC Copenhagen tips and predictions: Red Devils target Danish delight in Champions League