Johnny Heitinga will be joining Liverpool’s coaching staff.
That is according to Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan, who appeared as a guest on talkSPORT ahead of England’s Euro 2024 semi-final victory over Holland.
Slot’s backroom team is thin on the ground after taking over in the Anfield hot seat from Jurgen Klopp. Assistant managers Pep Lijnders and Peter Kraweitz, along with the likes of Vitor Matos and John Achterberg departed along with Klopp after his nine years as Reds chief.
However, Liverpool have been in talks with Heitinga. The former Everton, Fulham and Atletico Madrid defender confirmed he has had an offer after leaving West Ham at the end of last season following the exit of David Moyes.
Heitinga told De Telegraaf: “All I can say now is that I have been approached and that my agent Rob Jansen and I are in discussions.”
Now it has been claimed by respected reporter Van der Kraan that Heitinga will indeed be making the switch to Anfield.
“Slot is arriving with expectation but no massive expectation because he’s never worked there before,” said Van der Kraan.
“But everything he’s done in his career has been really impressive.
“He’s brought in Johnny Heitinga, a former Dutch international, more than 100 caps – played for Everton of course which, in one way, is remarkable he makes that choice.
“But then again, Heitinga, I understand said: ‘Look, Everton could have brought me in but they didn’t so my coaching career is carrying on’ and he’s happy to join Arne Slot.
“Heitinga was very impressive in the academy at Ajax, all the players like him, he’s a very practical guy and has a massive background of a player. He played in a World Cup final in 2014 and can add something because Arne Slot, as a coach, doesn’t have that.”
