Arne Slot‘s former assistant coach John Heitinga is now part of Tottenham‘s coaching staff, with the Dutchman appointed in his first role since his sacking at Ajax.
Heitinga left Liverpool after only a year as an assistant to Slot, with the 42-year-old seizing the opportunity to take on the head coaching role at Ajax over the summer.
John Heitinga: Tottenham Appointment
PL return: Former Liverpool assistant John Heitinga has officially joined Tottenham Hotspur as First Team Assistant Coach under Thomas Frank.
The background: A key member of the 2024/25 title-winning staff, Heitinga returns to the Premier League just months after his short-lived head-coaching role at Ajax.
Heitinga’s role: He joins a Spurs side currently sitting 14th in the table, with Frank citing the Dutchman’s defensive expertise as a vital addition to his backroom team.
The ex-Everton defender signed a deal until 2027, but was only in his post for 15 games before he was sacked after winning only five across his five months at the helm.
He has been out of work since early November, but a surprise move was confirmed on Thursday, with Heitinga joining Thomas Frank’s backroom staff.
Liverpool not seeking to bring him back may come as a surprise to some having proven popular with the Reds’ squad throughout the title-winning season, not to mention Slot had urged him to stay.
The head coach told reporters in May last year: “If Ajax would be smart, they would consider him.
“He is ready to take on a job like that. If John is smart, he would stay one more season.”
What Thomas Frank has said about John Heitinga’s appointment
We are delighted to welcome John Heitinga to the Club as First Team Assistant Coach, joining Thomas Frank’s coaching staff.
? https://t.co/tVI1ZB1aPV pic.twitter.com/tjfPYRXjzQ
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 15, 2026
On his appointment, Frank told Tottenham‘s official website: “John is a great addition to our coaching staff.
“His ability, personality and character will add huge value both on and off the pitch.
“He had an impressive playing career across Europe – including five years in the Premier League – and with the Dutch national team.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, March 8, 2025: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk (L) and assistant coach John Heitinga during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Southampton FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“As a former defender, that will be one of his main responsibilities on the training pitch, and he brings great coaching and management experiences from all levels of the game, which will really help us moving forward.”
Liverpool next face Tottenham in the Premier League on March 14, which will see Heitinga return to Anfield for the first time since his exit last summer.
Spurs are currently 14th in the table, 11th in the Champions League, and are without FA Cup action after they were eliminated in the third round by Aston Villa.