Ajax manager John Heitinga appears poised to bench midfielder Kenneth Taylor for teh upcoming Champions League match against Inter Milan, reportedly due to a disagreement over tactical instructions, sources indicate as of 2024/02/22 08:12:00 UTC. The potential exclusion of a key player ahead of a crucial European fixture underscores growing tensions within the Amsterdam club and raises questions about Heitinga’s authority.
The decision, if confirmed, arrives at a critical juncture for Ajax, currently facing elimination from the Champions League group stage and struggling to maintain a competitive position in the Eredivisie. Taylor’s omission would deprive the team of a dynamic presence in midfield and signal a firm stance by Heitinga against perceived insubordination. The incident highlights the challenges Heitinga faces in establishing his vision for the team following his appointment in january 2023, succeeding Alfred Schreuder.
Details surrounding the dispute remain limited, but reports suggest Taylor openly questioned Heitinga’s instructions during training. While the exact nature of the disagreement is unclear, the incident reportedly occured during a tactical drill. Heitinga has not publicly commented on the matter, maintaining a tight-lipped approach as the team prepares for the match scheduled for February 27, 2024, at the San Siro.
The potential lineup change has sparked debate among Ajax supporters, with online polls showing a divided response. Preliminary,unofficial results from a fan poll conducted on February 22,2024,indicate the following preferences for player performance: Jorthy Mokio,Kian Fitz-Jim,and Youri Reins,though the total vote count remains at zero as of this report.The outcome of the Inter Milan match could significantly impact Ajax’s season and heitinga’s future at the club.
