Former Liverpool assistant has been appointed to Tottenham's coaching staff under Thomas Frank, following a whirlwind few months.
Arne Slot (L) and Liverpool's assistant manager Johnny Heitinga (C) arrive before leading a training session
John Heitinga has made a move to Tottenham after leaving Liverpool and Ajax(Image: (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images))
View 2 Images
Tottenham have confirmed the appointment of former Liverpool assistant John Heitinga to Thomas Frank's coaching team at the club. The ex-centre-back had stints at Ajax, Atletico Madrid, Everton, and Fulham before transitioning into coaching in 2016 after retiring from professional football.
The 42-year-old has coaching experience with Ajax and also served as Liverpool's second in command under Arne Slot, where he played a key role in securing a Premier League title for the Reds. He returned to Ajax in May 2025, aiming to steer the club back on track following a challenging few seasons.
However, he was abruptly dismissed earlier this season due to a sluggish start to the campaign, leaving him seeking another coaching opportunity.
His move to Tottenham bolsters the resources available to Frank on the training pitch, following a difficult period for the Danish coach and the club, who sit 14th in the Premier League.
Speaking about the new addition, Frank told the official Tottenham 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."
"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."
Heitinga earned considerable respect during his brief stint at Liverpool, despite his previous connections to Merseyside rivals Everton.
Head coach John Heitinga of AFC Ajax disappointed during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 match between Ajax and Galatasaray
John Heitinga has joined Tottenham as part of the coaching team(Image: (Photo by Broer van den Boom/BSR Agency/Getty Images))
View 2 Images
Slot shared his views on the coach when he was being touted for the Ajax position last year, stating: "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," he continued. Although things didn't pan out for Heitinga at Ajax, he's clearly regarded as a quality coach and could potentially be someone who helps Spurs navigate through a challenging period.
The Dutch coach is yet another former assistant that Liverpool are encountering in the Premier League this season, after Jurgen Klopp's former number two, Pep Lijnders, made the move to rivals Manchester City.
That was a switch that wasn't well-received by Liverpool fans, given the proximity to City in the league over recent title challenges.
However, Pep Guardiola has been full of praise for the 42-year-old, when he said last month: "Pep is so good, he is so, so good.
"He’s a top manager. Players like it. Sometimes you think he is an assistant - maybe I am his assistant! He’s a top manager. We talked at half-time [against Nottingham Forest] in the last minutes. We changed the shape a little bit, to attack a little bit differently.
"Sometimes when you take a decision, it immediately works. You are more exposed in transitions. That’s why we conceded the goal. In general, really, really pleased."
It's unclear whether Liverpool fans will feel that same about Heitinga making his move across to Tottenham, but he will be looking to have a similar effect in north London to Lijnders in Manchester.