Liverpool Target Former Allies and Fan Favourite for Assistant Role | OneFootball

Liverpool Begin Search to Replace Departing Heitinga After Ajax Move

Coaching Carousel Continues at Anfield

Liverpool are preparing for another backroom reshuffle after confirming that assistant coach John Heitinga is set to leave the club and take over as Ajax’s new head coach, suggest reports from The Echo. Heitinga, who joined Arne Slot’s coaching team just last summer, quickly established himself as a key figure as Liverpool stormed to a record-equalling 20th league title.

Ajax moved quickly following Francesco Farioli’s resignation, which came in the wake of a catastrophic collapse that saw his team squander a nine-point lead in the final five Eredivisie games, gifting the title to PSV Eindhoven. For Heitinga, this marks a return to familiar territory. Having begun his playing and managerial career in Amsterdam, he now steps into a high-pressure role with expectations already mounting.

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Slot Backs His Departing Lieutenant

Speaking on the links last week, Slot said: “If Ajax would be smart, they would consider him. He is ready to take on a job like that. If John is smart, he would stay one more season.”

That reluctant praise reflected both admiration and a desire to keep a trusted ally close. However, Slot will now be forced to act swiftly with pre-season on the horizon and Liverpool keen to maintain continuity in their tactical evolution.

Candidates in the Frame

Marino Pusic, a long-time associate of Slot from his AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord days, is a leading candidate. Fresh from a domestic double and Ukrainian Cup success with Shakhtar Donetsk, Pusic ticks the boxes for both familiarity and pedigree.

Etienne Reijnen, who was blocked by work permit issues last summer, could be reconsidered. Another name linked is former fan-favourite Dirk Kuyt, who is expected to leave Beerschot following their relegation from the Belgian Juliper Pro League.

Strategic Importance of This Appointment

Liverpool’s choice of Heitinga’s replacement will be critical, not just for preserving last season’s momentum but for embedding Slot’s identity into the long-term structure at Anfield. With an early July pre-season start looming, the club must act decisively.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, the departure of John Heitinga feels more like a commendable graduation than a setback. He was a quiet but effective presence under Slot, and his move to Ajax shows the calibre of staff the Reds are attracting.

“If we’re producing coaches who are getting headhunted by Ajax, we must be doing something right,” one fan remarked in the Kop bar after the news broke.

The potential candidates bring intrigue. Pusic’s recent silverware in Ukraine is not to be ignored. If he can adapt quickly, the Slot-Pusic reunion could be seamless. Reijnen, despite his previous permit issues, also remains an attractive proposition for continuity.

And then there’s Dirk Kuyt. A cult hero at Anfield, but is sentiment clouding judgement? His track record as a coach isn’t glittering, and stepping into such a tactical role might be a big leap. That said, his passion, understanding of the club, and bond with fans can’t be measured by trophies alone.

One thing is clear – this summer’s assistant appointment matters. If Slot is to build a dynasty, choosing the right right-hand man is just as vital as selecting the starting XI.