It is fair to say that Fred Grim didn’t exactly ask to be installed as Ajax interim manager following the firing of former boss John Heitinga.
Despite this, Grim had one primary goal of being a stabilising force; inject discipline and restore confidence to a squad that looked devoid of all.
Having played for Ajax and then being a long-time coach within the academy, Grim was recognised as a safe bet. Someone who knew the club and philosophy inside out and who could identify what needed to be implemented quickly in the hope that he could put out the fires before a permanent manager was found.
However, it is fair to say that he has struggled to make an impact. Two defeats apiece in the league and Champions League has been followed by two successive victories, though one made the headlines for entirely different reasons.
The last thing Grim, or indeed the club, wanted was more drama given their situation, though just a few minutes into the home game against Groningen the stadium was engulfed in smoke due to a firework display from the ultras. Eventually the game was called off and played behind closed doors two days later as Grim masterminded a 2-0 win.
It was followed up with a 3-1 away victory against Fortuna Sittard and despite the home side scoring after just four minutes, Ajax found a way back into the game, albeit via two own goals.
Points Needed Quickly
Currently sitting in fourth place in the Eredivisie, 14 points behind rivals PSV Eindhoven, the club’s next game could turn its season around.
Grim’s side host second-placed Feyenoord and, while a win won’t make a huge difference, it could lift Ajax into third and close the gap on their opponents to just five points. For confidence it could work wonders and set them up for another potential three points against (currently) third-placed NEC Breda.
With a cup game sandwiched in between; the club’s only realistic chance of silverware, Grim could lead Ajax into the Christmas break with renewed vigour and provide a platform to push on from in January. It would also give the board and possible new technical director, Jordi Cruyff time to think about whether they want to bring in a new manager and if so, identify the right person for the job.
Also, with the January transfer window opening, Cruyff (if he comes in) may also have his eye on one or two players who could come in and make the required impact. At Barcelona, he proved his worth when it came to the transfer window and Ajax might need his touch.
This is the best case scenario for the club and Grim, who probably isn’t expecting to keep his position. However, if Ajax can get to the Christmas break having closed the gap on Feyenoord to two points, reeled in PSV and reached the next round of the cup then many within the club would view this as a remarkable achievement and Grim could well be looking at a Christmas bonus.