Ajax will head into international break in Eredivisie relegation playoff position, it's all going wrong

Eredivisie strugglers Ajax currently sit in the relegation playoff position after they suffered a 2-1 defeat to in-form AZ Alkmaar on Sunday.

The 35-time league champions are going through one of the toughest spells in their recent history. Under head coach Maurice Steijn, they have recorded three defeats, two draws and one win in their last six league games.

It means one of Europe's most successful clubs will go into the international break sat in 16th following their worst-ever start to an Eredivisie campaign.

As a result of their poor form, Ajax will discuss the position of Steijn, according to Fabrizio Romano, who says the manager's position is "now in danger" after another disappointing result.

Steijn, who has previously managed ADO Den Haag, NAC Breda and more recently Sparta Rotterdam, was chosen to replace John Heitinga in June, although things haven't exactly gone to plan.

Following defeats to Feyenoord and FC Twente in the past month, it was another Sunday to forget for Amsterdam's biggest club.

Vangelis Pavlidis opened the scoring for second-placed AZ Alkmaar with a strike before the break. Then on the hour mark, Pascal Jansen's side doubled their lead through Dani de Wit.

Branco van den Boomen handed the home side hope with a deflected effort.

But even with those inside the 55,000 capacity Johan Cruyff Arena behind them, you could argue Ajax were lucky to lose by just one goal.

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Maurice Steijn was asked whether he feels his position is still tenable after the full-time whistle.

“Yes, I do. I’ll do everything 24/7 to try to get this club back up," he told ESPN NL. "The synergy in the group is good. There are some issues in terms of quality but I do see spirit and that gives me confidence”

He added in his post-match press conference: "This is a very sad day. For everyone but especially to the fans. The worst start to a new season in club history."

With rumours only intensifying over his future, Ajax forward Steven Bergwijn backed Steijn in his post-match interview.

When asked whether the squad still trusts the manager, he told NOS: "Yes, I do believe so. Nobody discusses the manager. They are trying to do their job as good as possible."

• Could you reach a point where you give up yourself? That you walk away from the job yourself?

Steijn: "No." pic.twitter.com/ZbVcaL0Lgi

— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) October 8, 2023

Thoughts on Ajax's form this season? Let us know in the comments.