Liverpool crest (Liverpool FC season schedule)
Image Credits: Getty Images
Liverpool have officially confirmed two new staff additions ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Arne Slot’s backroom staff thinned somewhat with John Heitinga joining Ajax as their head coach last month, while coach Diogo Pavia, who worked mainly with the academy, also announced he left the club.
Heitinga has already used his Anfield contacts to secure Vitezslav Jaros on a season-long loan, and Tyler Morton could be on his way to Ajax as well.
As a result of some of the staff departures the Reds have had to bring in some fresh faces – and have now have officially confirmed the appointment of Giovanni van Bronckhorst to replace Heitinga.
The former Netherlands captain brings a wealth of playing and managerial experience to Liverpool’s dugout.
Van Bronckhorst has experience working as an assistant at Feyenoord under Ronald Koeman before taking the helm as manager in May 2015.
He led Feyenoord to their first Eredivisie title in 18 years during the 2016-17 season, having also secured the KNVB Cup in his debut campaign.
Van Bronckhorst won league titles and cup honours with Feyenoord, Glasgow Rangers, Arsenal and Barcelona during his playing career.
He later managed Guangzhou R&F in China, Rangers (guiding them to a Scottish Cup win and Europa League final) and most recently Besiktas, departing Turkey in late 2024.
Additionally, the club confirmed that Xavi Valero rejoins Liverpool after seven seasons at West Ham United.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Xavi Valero. Image Credits: Liverpool FC
He arrives to help shore up the goalkeeping department.
He first joined the Reds under Rafael Benítez in 2007, before falling the Spaniard to Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli and Real Madrid.
Following spells with Hebei China Fortune and West Ham (from 2018), Valero will be training Alisson and the rest of the Liverpool goalkeepers.
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