Johnny Heitinga joins Arne Slot's coaching staff at Liverpool

Johnny Heitinga joins Arne Slot’s coaching staff at Liverpool

Former Netherlands and Everton centre-back Johnny Heitinga has returned to Merseyside, this time on the red side as he joins Arne Slot‘s coaching staff as an assistant coach at Liverpool.

The 40-year-old was the first-team assistant coach at West Ham United last season and left after the departure of David Moyes.

He has also previously managed both the youth and senior sides of Ajax, whose academy he graduated from before going to win nine trophies with them in his playing days. In his Premier League career, Heitinga played for Everton and Fulham.

John Heitinga has been appointed to our backroom staff in the position of assistant coach 👊
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 17, 2024

Heitinga begins work immediately as the Reds return to training for the 2024/25 pre-season.

Liverpool kick off their 2024/25 season against the newly-promoted Ipswich Town in the Premier League on August 17.

Crossing the Merseyside divide

The last time a personality crossed the Merseyside divide for a coaching opportunity in recent history, things didn’t turn out very well. But of course, Liverpool fans would remember Rafa Benítez’s time at Everton with fondness while hoping the same fate does not befall Heitinga.

Heitinga in the Premier League during his time with Everton and Fulham: 129 games, 3 goals, 4 assists, 27 clean sheets.

Working with Slot, Heitinga has his work cut out and he tries to help his gaffer follow in the footsteps of one of greatest managers in the history of the storied club legend Jürgen Klopp.