Arne Slot‘s long-time colleague and lead physical performance coach Ruben Peeter has confirmed he has left Liverpool after head coach was sacked.
Slot was dismissed on Saturday along with a number of his core staff, as Liverpool prepare for another change in the dugout.
It was reported soon after the Dutchman’s exit that assistants Sipke Hulshoff and Giovanni van Bronckhorst and lead physical performance coach Peeters had also left.
Peeters has now confirmed his departure in a statement on LinkedIn reflecting on “two unforgettable seasons.”
“After two unforgettable seasons at Liverpool FC, it is time to say goodbye,” the 34-year-old wrote.
“Winning the Premier League together will always be a special memory and the ultimate highlight of this incredible journey.
“But above all, I’m grateful for two years of going to work every day with so much enthusiasm, surrounded by amazing colleagues and great people.
“Thank you to everyone at Liverpool FC for the trust, support, and unforgettable moments.”
PHILADELPHIA - Sunday, July 28, 2024: Liverpool's lead physical performance coach Ruben Peeters during an open training session at Lincoln Financial Field on day five of the club's pre-season tour of the USA. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Peeters’ partner posted an emotional message and video on Instagram, saying:
Your dreams have always felt like my dreams. Your victories feel like my victories. And when things don’t go your way, I feel that too. We do this together. always.
Two years ago, we packed up our lives and moved to England to chase your dream. If I’m honest, I was terrified. I remember thinking there was no way I could ever be truly happy living so far from home.
But somehow, without me even realizing it at first, England became home too. Manchester completely stole my heart. I have loved building our life here.
And Anfield… what a special place. The club. The people, the atmosphere, the memories. I never expected that this chapter of our lives would give us so much. We’ve laughed, cried, celebrated, grown, and met people who will always hold a place in our hearts.
When I look back on these two years, the feeling that stands out most is how unbelievably proud I am of you.
Proud of the sacrifices you’ve made. Proud of the hard work nobody sees behind the scenes. Proud of the moments you kept going when things were difficult. Proud of the way you have always dared to dream big and had the courage to chase those dreams, even when there were no guarantees.
Watching you live your dream has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.
I have no idea what the future has in store for us. I don’t know where we’ll live next, what adventures are still waiting for us, or which direction life will take us.
But after everything we’ve experienced together, I know one thing for sure: Home has never been a place.
Along with Hulshoff, Peeters worked alongside Slot at Feyenoord and there is a chance he stays tied to the Dutch duo in their next venture.
Him leaving Liverpool was a formality given the circumstances, while the owners’ decision to sack Slot came amid concerns over the players’ conditioning.
That largely falls under Peeters’ remit, with Slot explaining on his appointment in 2024 that “[Ruben] is going to help me and the club with the way we are working on the physical side.”
With Andoni Iraola now expected to take over as head coach, Peeters’ role is likely to filled by Spanish fitness coach Pablo de la Torre.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 24, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot (L) and Bournemouth's manager Andoni Iraola before the FA Premier League match between Bournemouth AFC and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
De La Torre worked alongside Iraola at AEK Larnaca, Rayo Vallecano and then Bournemouth, with the 36-year-old playing a key role in preparing his teams to play the aggressive, high-intensity brand of football which has attracted Liverpool.
Along with Slot, Hulshoff, Van Bronckhorst and Peeters, first-team tactical analyst Roderick van der Ham is also expected to leave Liverpool having been another appointment from Feyenoord.
It remains to be seen whether other recent additions such as goalkeeping coaches Xavi Valero and Colin Stewart and individual lead coach Luiz Fernando Iubel will be retained.
However their moves to Liverpool were less associated with Slot himself, and with Iraola unlikely to demand a major influx of coaches bar De La Torre and assistant Tommy Elphick they could well stay.