Liverpool have a summer of celebration ahead after being crowned Premier League champions; however one big change is nearing that may disrupt their momentum.
In his first season at the wheel, Arne Slot has steered Liverpool back to the pinnacle of English football, winning a 20th league title for the Reds.
Next season will be a new test for Slot and his side, with Trent Alexander-Arnold departing for Real Madrid and other changes reportedly taking place at Anfield.
Player transfers will dominate the headlines, but one change off the field could prove costly for the champions next season.
Arne Slot’s assistant set to leave
PSV Eindhoven v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8
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Liverpool’s assistant coach John Heitinga is reportedly set to leave the club, as he has been permitted to speak to Ajax about their vacant head coach role.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have already begun searching for a replacement, which suggests Slot’s assistant is unlikely to be in the Liverpool dugout at the start of next season.
🚨🔴⚪️ EXCL: 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. pic.twitter.com/erFHPx1vcj
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 27, 2025
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Heitinga would be returning to Amsterdam after he managed the Dutch giants for six months during the 22/23 season.
In the 23/24 season, he was a part of David Moyes’ backroom staff at West Ham, before joining Liverpool alongside Slot last summer, experiencing the most successful period of his early coaching career.
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What are the repercussions for Liverpool?
Liverpool have had a dominant first season with Slot and his backroom staff, who inherited most of the players from Jurgen Klopp.
Individuals have flourished under Slot and his staff this campaign, with Mohammed Salah breaking records and Ryan Gravenberch stealing headlines, but this change may disrupt what the Reds are building.
With Liverpool searching for a replacement, they must choose wisely, as the importance of having a solid backroom staff is often overlooked.
Pep Guardiola Manchester City head coach
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Pep Guardiola has been a victim of his backroom staff leaving in the past, with Mikel Arteta and Enzo Maresca both leaving Manchester City to become head coaches elsewhere.
Guardiola endured his first trophyless season with Man City this campaign, and has suffered plenty of criticism over tactics and team selection.
Liverpool will be losing a piece to the puzzle should Heitinga leave, and will want to find that missing piece swiftly and efficiently to continue their success and dominate once more.