Koeman leaves Ajax post

Difficult season
The 41-year-old Koeman handed in his notice this morning, leaving assistant coaches Ruud Krol and Tonny Bruins Slot in temporary charge. The European exit was the final straw for the former Dutch international, who had been at the helm of the Amsterdam club since December 2001. He had also seen his team struggle to keep pace with PSV Eindhoven and AZ Alkmaar at the top of the Eredivisie.

Time to go
"I have requested that the board of Ajax end our co-operation immediately," Koeman said. "I have to be fair to myself and to Ajax. Yesterday's result has made me make this decision. I cannot offer the strength or the energy to get over this setback, and to make the team perform better again."

Early success
Koeman, who succeeded Co Adriaanse as Ajax coach after arriving from SBV Vitesse, won the Dutch double in his first season. He also guided the club to the championship last term but they failed to get beyond the UEFA Champions League group stage. Their subsequent UEFA Cup participation lasted just one round – the 3-2 aggregate defeat by Auxerre, with only a late goal for the French side preventing Ajax's progress on away goals.

Club disappointed
Ajax general manager Arie van Eijden said: "Of course we are disappointed at how the season has gone. But yesterday's performance was not so significant for us. We have had many successes with Ronald Koeman, but we accept his decision and thank him for what he has done for the club."