Ajax has parted ways with caretaker manager Fred Grim following a disappointing 3-1 defeat to FC Groningen on Saturday, the club confirmed on Sunday. The decision comes after a recent downturn in form for the Amsterdam side, currently fourth in the Eredivisie.
Oscar García, head coach of Jong Ajax, will immediately capture over first-team duties, seeing out the remainder of the season. The club statement indicated the move was made in the best interest of the team, with crucial matches still to reach.
Grim initially stepped in as interim manager in November 2025 after John Heitinga’s dismissal. While he enjoyed a positive run towards the end of 2025 with five wins and a draw in six games, results faltered in 2026. Following a narrow victory over Telstar after the winter break, Ajax secured only three wins in their next eleven matches, and just one win in their last seven across all competitions.
“Fred and I had a conversation today about what is best for the club. Together we agreed that something needs to change,” said technical director Jordi Cruyff. “He stepped in during a difficult period and has done everything he could. We are grateful to him for that. Oscar will see out the season. The coming months are particularly crucial for the club. We still have eight matches to play and we must obtain the maximum out of them together.”
During his 21 games as caretaker manager, Grim recorded nine wins and six losses. He will return to his role within the Ajax academy.
Ajax trails league leaders PSV by 24 points and sits five points behind second-placed Feyenoord. NEC is one point behind Ajax in the standings, though they have yet to play this weekend. The change in leadership aims to revitalize the team’s performance as they push for a higher finish in the Eredivisie.
García, a former FC Barcelona forward, joined Ajax alongside Grim. He will be tasked with steering the team through the final stretch of the season. More details on the appointment can be found on the official Ajax website.
