Dutch Legend joins Arne Slot’s coaching staff at Liverpool

Arne Slot added another Dutchman to his backroom staff with the arrival of John Heitinga. Liverpool confirmed the news with an official announcement through the club’s website. Before Heitinga, Slot is already accompanied by Sipke Hulshoff, his first assistant coach.

Heitinga only had a three-month break after leaving West Ham as an assistant coach by the end of last season. He served as the assistant of The Hammers’ former manager David Moyes.

John Heitinga is familiar with Merseyside’s Air

Heitinga started his duty with West Ham in September 2023. The city of Liverpool is not a strange place for Heitinga since he spent five seasons with The Reds’ city rivals Everton.

Heitinga was known for his hardman image during his playing career. One of the boldest moments was in the 2010 World Cup final where he placed his studs on former Liverpool, Xabi Alonso’s chest.

At the club level, Heitinga played for the likes of Ajax, Atlético Madrid, Everton, Fulham, and Hertha BSC. His coaching career also started in Amsterdam with Ajax’s youth teams before taking a short-term managerial role with the senior team from January to June 2023.