John Heitinga denies fears of Ajax sacking and launches strong defence after being taught a 'Champions League lesson' by Marseille in four-goal hammering

Ajax were handed a humiliating 4-0 defeat in their second Champions League group game. Igor Paixao struck twice early, while Mason Greenwood and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also contributed with a goal each. The French club made the most of Ajax's sloppy defensive errors, including a turnover from veteran Davy Klaassen that led to Paixao's second goal in the 12th minute.

Despite the heavy defeat, manager Heitinga defended his side and urged for patience, stressing that his young team is still in construction and will need time to grow into Europe’s demands. 

"Listen, the fans are disappointed, we're disappointed. The players were completely exhausted, fought until the very end. We kept playing football, with courage. But we're a team in construction. And eventually I know we'll get it right, but that will take some time," the Dutch coach said after the game. 

Heitinga admitted Marseille’s quality showed the gap his team needs to close. 

"You're simply playing against a very good team, the one that beat Paris Saint-Germain last week," the 41-year-old added. "A team that has given Champions League lessons. I complimented the boys. We played with courage, fought, and even after being down 4-0, we kept fighting."

Questions about Heitinga’s future have been surfacing after the team’s rough start to the season, but the Ajax boss brushed them aside. The Dutchman made it clear he isn’t feeling the heat. "Am I worried about my position? No," he had said on the eve of the clash.

Ajax sit third in the Eredivisie and face Sparta next before a packed schedule that includes AZ, Twente and Utrecht after the international break. In Europe, they still have Chelsea and Galatasaray to come. The next few weeks will be critical as Heitinga tries to prove Ajax are far from finished.