Liverpool may need to begin searching for a new assistant coach for the second time in just a matter of months.
The Reds saw John Heitinga leave last summer, with the Dutchman taking over the main job at Ajax.
Former Arsenal full-back Giovanni van Bronckhorst was appointed in his place, and brought past managerial experience from stints at Besiktas, Feyenoord and Rangers.
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Arne Slot puts his hand over his face during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League loss against PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.
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However, Liverpool have turned into some awful form recently, with scrutiny on Van Bronckhorst’s role as well as that of fellow assistant Sipke Hulshoff and head coach Arne Slot.
Liverpool continue to back Slot for now, but that will not last forever if results do not improve. In the meantime, Van Bronckhorst has edged closer to the exit as he looks for a return to management.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst under consideration with Indonesia
Van Bronckhorst had looked like a shrewd appointment to the Liverpool coaching staff, with his previous managerial roles and experience of the Premier League working in his favour.
While it would be unfair to pin a big portion of the blame for the season so far on the Dutchman, however, it is safe to say that his stint at Anfield has been a disastrous one so far.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst pictured on the Liverpool bench during the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool and Eintracht Frankfurt and Deutsche Bank Park.
Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images
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According to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, Van Bronckhorst’s time at Liverpool may not go on for much longer.
Sheth reports that the 50-year-old is one of the names under consideration for the vacant Indonesia national team position.
“Liverpool coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst under consideration for Head Coach role with Indonesia.” he says on X.
“Former Canada Head Coach John Herdman has been interviewed for the role.”
Xabi Alonso has previously admitted his dream of managing Liverpool
“I have dreamt of that, but first I have to prove myself and prepare. If I decide somewhere along the way to take my chances as a manager, my link, my commitment, my passion with Liverpool is there. Why not? We will see if we can cross paths in our ways.”
Xabi Alonso in 2018
Liverpool FC Legends v FC Bayern Legends - Friendly Match
Photo by LFC Foundation/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Who would replace Van Bronckhorst?
If Van Bronckhorst is successful in his bid to become Indonesia manager, Liverpool would certainly have to replace him.
Dirk Kuyt was under consideration to join Slot’s staff alongside the former Barcelona man and perhaps a pivot back to the Feyenoord legend would make sense.
Kuyt is currently in charge of Dutch second division side FC Dordrecht. But with the team stuck in mid-table, it is likely that the 45-year-old would jump at the chance to return to his former team.
Of course, the elephant in the room is that Slot himself may not last much longer. A clue for that may be if Van Bronckhorst leaves and is not quickly replaced.
A change in Slot’s backroom staff could make all the difference to Liverpool, and is perhaps the final roll of the dice before the head coach has to go. In that respect, maybe Van Bronckhorst joining Indonesia would be in the interests of everyone involved.
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