Arne Slot ‘on the verge’ of landing new coach at Liverpool | OneFootball

Arne Slot rebuild gathers pace behind scenes

Arne Slot’s quiet reconstruction of Liverpool’s coaching infrastructure appears to be entering a decisive phase, with Etienne Reijnen now firmly in the frame to join the Dutchman’s backroom staff. According to a report from 1908.nl, the Liverpool head coach is closing in on a figure he has long admired, having first attempted to bring him to Merseyside two years ago.

That initial move faltered not through lack of conviction but due to administrative barriers. Reijnen, at the time, did not possess the required coaching qualifications or a UK work permit, factors that prevented the deal from progressing. Instead, Slot turned to familiar faces who could immediately integrate into his methods, including Sipke Hulshoff, who followed him from Feyenoord.

Now, circumstances have shifted. Reijnen has continued to develop within Feyenoord’s technical structure and is nearing completion of his coaching diploma and is now ‘on the verge’ of joining Liverpoo.. That progression has reopened the door to a reunion with Slot, one that feels both logical and timely given the ongoing evolution of Liverpool’s coaching setup.

Reijnen profile fits Slot philosophy

Reijnen’s journey from centre-back to coach has been shaped by a tactical awareness that aligns closely with Slot’s footballing principles. The 39-year-old, formerly of AZ Alkmaar and PEC Zwolle, has built his coaching reputation within Feyenoord’s system, working alongside high-profile figures and refining his approach to modern, progressive football.

His current role within Robin van Persie’s technical staff has allowed him to blend practical experience with formal development. That combination is precisely what Slot values. He has consistently leaned towards coaches who understand positional play, tempo control and the subtle mechanics of pressing systems, all of which are hallmarks of his approach.

Reports suggest that Reijnen is “on the verge” of making the switch once his qualifications are finalised. That phrasing captures both the anticipation and the caution surrounding the move. It is not yet complete, but the trajectory is clear.

Backroom reshuffle could accelerate move

Timing may prove critical. Liverpool’s coaching department is not static, and there is growing speculation that Giovanni van Bronckhorst could depart for a senior role at Feyenoord. Should that happen, it would leave a notable gap within Slot’s inner circle.

Reijnen’s arrival would offer immediate continuity. He is already familiar with Slot’s methods from their shared time in Rotterdam, and his integration would likely be seamless. In a high-performance environment where marginal gains matter, that kind of familiarity is invaluable.

This potential shift also reflects a broader trend within elite football. Managers increasingly seek to surround themselves with trusted lieutenants rather than inherit structures built by predecessors. Slot, following a significant post-2023 rebuild, is continuing to shape a staff that mirrors his identity.

Opportunity aligns with long term planning

There is a strategic logic to Liverpool’s interest in Reijnen that extends beyond short-term necessity. Slot is still establishing his authority and vision at the club, and assembling a cohesive coaching unit is central to that process.

The original source of these developments, Dutch outlet Vandaag Inside via 1908.nl, highlights the long-standing nature of Slot’s interest. The coach’s persistence suggests that Reijnen is more than a convenient option. He is a deliberate choice.

Importantly, this potential appointment also arrives against a backdrop of scrutiny. Slot’s second season has not unfolded as smoothly as hoped, placing greater emphasis on structural improvements behind the scenes. Reinforcing the coaching staff with someone he trusts could be a stabilising move.

If completed, the addition of Reijnen would symbolise a full-circle moment. What was once blocked by bureaucracy may now be realised through patience and progression. For Slot, it would represent not just a new appointment but the fulfilment of a long-held plan.

In elite football, success is often built on relationships as much as tactics. Slot appears to understand that better than most, and in Reijnen he may soon secure a coach who fits both his philosophy and his vision for Liverpool’s future.