Liverpool - Arne Slot
Image credit: Getty Images
Liverpool are reportedly on the verge of appointing former Arsenal and Barcelona star Giovanni van Bronckhorst as an assistant coach under manager Arne Slot, according to multiple sources, includingThe Athletic.
The 50-year-old Dutchman is expected to replace John Heitinga, who recently left Anfield to become head coach of Ajax following their disappointing Eredivisie campaign. Van Bronckhorst, a 106-cap Netherlands international, brings a wealth of experience to Liverpool’s backroom staff, both from his illustrious playing career and his achievements as a coach.
During his playing days, van Bronckhorst earned a reputation for his versatility, transitioning from a central midfielder to a reliable left-back. He spent two seasons at Arsenal between 2001 and 2003, winning the Premier League and two FA Cups before moving to Barcelona, where he lifted the UEFA Champions League in 2006. He also captained the Dutch national team to the 2010 FIFA World Cup final.
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His return to the Premier League comes after a brief managerial stint at Besiktas, which ended in November 2024 following a Europa League exit. However, his managerial résumé includes notable successes, such as guiding Feyenoord to their first Eredivisie title in 18 years in 2017 and leading Rangers to the Europa League final in 2022.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst
Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Image credit: Getty Images)
Van Bronckhorst is reportedly in advanced negotiations to join Slot’s coaching team, which already includes Sipke Hulshoff and Aaron Briggs. While Slot and Van Bronckhorst have never worked together directly, both favour a possession-based style and a 4-3-3 formation, making the former Rangers boss a strong philosophical fit for the new regime at Anfield. Slot led Liverpool to the Premier League title last season in his debut campaign, and the club is aiming to build on that momentum heading into 2025/26.
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In addition to his top-level coaching credentials, van Bronckhorst spent time observing Pep Guardiola’s methods at Manchester City in 2019, further deepening his tactical understanding. His appointment is expected to focus heavily on individual player development, following the model set by Heitinga, who was credited with the improved performances of Ryan Gravenberch, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk.
If the deal is finalised, van Bronckhorst would be the latest addition to Liverpool’s growing Dutch influence, joining compatriots Slot, Jeremie Frimpong, and Armin Pecsi in the squad.
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