Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot (L) and Liverpool's Dutch assistant manager Johnny Heitinga (C) arrive before leading a training session on the eve of their UEFA Champions League 1st round day 2 football match against Bologna, at the AXA training centre in Liverpool, north west England, on October 1, 2024. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot (L) and Liverpool's Dutch assistant manager Johnny Heitinga (C) arrive before leading a training session on the eve of their UEFA Champions League 1st round day 2 football match against Bologna, at the AXA training centre in Liverpool, north west England, on October 1, 2024. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot (L) and Liverpool's Dutch assistant manager Johnny Heitinga (C) arrive before leading a training session on the eve of their UEFA Champions League 1st round day 2 football match against Bologna, at the AXA training centre in Liverpool, north west England, on October 1, 2024. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Liverpool coach Johnny Heitinga is in talks about a return to Ajax.
Arne Slot could be about to lose one of his trusted Liverpool backroom members.
The Dutchman delivered the Premier League title in his maiden campaign as Anfield head coach. After arriving on Merseyside last summer to fill the gargantuan void of Jurgen Klopp and his staff, Slot appointed his trusted lieutenant Sipke Hulshoff as his assistant. They won the Eredivisie title and KNVB Cup at Feyenoord.
It was perhaps a surprise when Johnny Heitinga was added to Slot’s backroom. While the former Netherlands international was a highly rated coach, it was the fact that he has played for Liverpool’s fierce rivals Everton during his playing career. Heitinga had worked with David Moyes at West Ham and had a spell at Ajax interim manager.
His impact during the Reds’ title success was key, helping improve players such as Ryan Gravenberch at the AXA Training Centre. However, after just a year at Liverpool, he could be departing on his own managerial journey.
It is claimed that Heitinga is in talks to return to Ajax. The Dutch giants finished second in the Eredivisie this season, just missing out on the title to PSV Eindhoven. However, they opted to part ways with head coach Francesco Farioli and are looking for a new incumbent.
Heitinga appears to be the frontrunners, with Liverpool giving him permission to hold talks. Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano posted on X: “Liverpool gives permission to John Heitinga for talks with Ajax as negotiations to become the new head coach are advanced. Liverpool have begun the process of looking at replacements if the Heitinga deal goes through, as looks likely.”
Slot was asked about the prospect of Heitinga departing Liverpool for Ajax. Speaking last week, the Liverpool supremo said: 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 here one more season.”
Continue Reading