Liverpool midfielder James McConnell made his first start for Ajax in midweek, on a night that saw John Heitinga face “f*** off” chants from his own supporters.
McConnell has seen a slow start to his loan spell at Ajax, not aided by an early injury and the Dutch side’s struggle for form under new head coach Heitinga.
The 21-year-old’s experience prior to Wednesday night came through four substitute appearances totalling 83 minutes on the pitch.
But he was named in Heitinga’s starting lineup to face Chelsea in the third game of the Champions League‘s league phase – which ended with a 5-1 thrashing at Stamford Bridge.
He played 79 minutes before being replaced by Youri Regeer, by which point goals from Marc Guiu, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Estevao and Tyrique George had already sandwiched a consolation penalty from Wout Weghorst.
It was a difficult night for McConnell, not least as his midfield partner and captain Kenneth Taylor was sent off for a shocking challenge on Facundo Buonanotte after just 17 minutes.
Heitinga made the decision to withdraw the popular Oscar Gloukh for defensive midfielder Jorthy Mokio soon after, which was one of a number of calls which frustrated Ajax supporters.
According to De Telegraaf, those who had made the trip from Amsterdam could be heard chanting “Johnny, f*** off” as the substitution took place.
That comes with tensions growing over Heitinga’s position as head coach, though Ajax technical director Alex Kroes has already insisted he will not be sacked.
Heitinga shrugs off “Johnny, f*** off” chants
“It was short-lived, but of course, it’s something you don’t want to hear,” Heitinga, who left his role as Arne Slot‘s assistant to rejoin Ajax in the summer, told reporters of the jeers he faced.
“The supporters are also disappointed by that red card, and Oscar is a player you’d happily come to the stadium to see.
“But if we’re down to 10 men, I have to make choices.
“I wanted to play with a second ‘six’ and chose Jorthy Mokio, who can do that better. I also wanted to keep the pace on the wings with Mika Godts and Raul Moro.
“I understand the dissatisfaction, but what I found very positive – not for me, but for the entire club – was that I heard every Ajax song in the last 15 minutes.
“That’s Ajax too. The fans remain proud of the club. But the pain they feel, we feel too.”
Heitinga’s side travel to FC Twente for an early kickoff on Sunday, having failed to win any of their last four games in all competitions – they currently sit fourth in the Eredivisie, nine points behind leaders Feyenoord.
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