The split comes as the former heavyweights of Europe seek a reversal of fortune after their worst start to a league season in decades. "Ajax and Maurice Steijn have parted company with immediate effect," the Amsterdam side announced. Steijn exits 24 hours after a 4-3 loss to Utrecht, the club's fourth defeat in seven games, left them in 17th place, one off the foot of the Eredivisie.

"We came to the conclusion that this is for the best for Ajax, even if I regret it," said Steijn, 49. "I did everything to lead Ajax back to where they belong, but I wasn't able to accomplish that," he added. Ajax's caretaker director Jan van Halst noted: "We've worked very intensely and professionally over the past few months but the results and the team's progress were lagging behind.