Amsterdam – Ajax have parted ways with caretaker manager Fred Grim following a disappointing run of form, culminating in a 3-1 defeat to FC Groningen this past weekend. The Dutch giants have swiftly appointed Oscar García as interim manager, effective immediately, as they look to salvage their Eredivisie campaign.
The decision comes as little surprise given Ajax’s recent struggles. Prior to Saturday’s loss, the club had only secured one win in their previous five league matches. The team currently sits in fourth place in the Eredivisie, a significant 24 points behind league leaders PSV Eindhoven and five points behind second-placed Feyenoord, with NEC Nijmegen closely trailing just one point behind.
Grim’s Tenure Cut Short
Fred Grim had been in charge of Ajax on an interim basis since November 2025, stepping in after the dismissal of John Heitinga. While Grim initially stabilized the team, guiding them to five wins and a draw in their final six games of 2025, results deteriorated sharply after the winter break. Ajax managed only three wins in their subsequent 11 matches, and a single victory in their last seven across all competitions proved to be the final straw for technical director Jordi Cruijff.
“Fred and I had a conversation today about what is best for the club,” Cruijff stated in a club release. “Together we agreed that something needs to change. 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 very important for the club. We still have eight matches to play and we must get the maximum out of them together.”
Grim will return to his previous role within the Ajax youth academy. During his 21 games as caretaker manager this season, Ajax recorded nine wins and six losses.
Oscar García Returns to Ajax
The appointment of Oscar García marks a return to the club for the Spanish manager. García was recently appointed as the head coach of Jong Ajax, the club’s reserve team, in February 2026. He will now take charge of the first team with the immediate goal of securing a Champions League qualification spot.
García’s arrival is accompanied by the promotion of Jong Ajax’s keeper coach, Juan Pablo Colinas, and physical trainer, Enrique Sanz, to the first team staff. Paul Nuijten will assume the role of head coach for Jong Ajax, with former Ajax player Urby Emanuelson joining his technical staff.
This reshuffling of personnel underscores Ajax’s commitment to integrating talent from within their youth system, a cornerstone of the club’s philosophy. The move as well suggests a desire for tactical stability and a clear vision for the remainder of the season.
As confirmed by AFC Ajax on social media, García’s duties commence immediately, with the expectation that he will lead the team through the remaining eight Eredivisie matches.
Oscar García will take over Fred Grim’s duties. The head coach of Jong Ajax will, with immediate effect, take charge of Ajax’s first team. Grim will return to his role within the Ajax academy.
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) March 8, 2026
The pressure is now firmly on García to revitalize Ajax’s fortunes. The club’s supporters will be hoping for a swift turnaround in results as they aim to close the gap on PSV and Feyenoord and secure a coveted spot in next season’s Champions League. The coming weeks will be a crucial test for both the modern manager and the historic Amsterdam club.
Ajax’s next fixture is yet to be announced, but fans will be eager to see how García implements his tactical approach and whether he can inspire a resurgence from the underperforming squad. The Eredivisie season is reaching a critical juncture, and every point will be vital as the battle for European qualification intensifies.
