Liverpool have commenced their search for a new assistant coach following the announcement that John Heitinga is set to become the new manager of Ajax.
Heitinga joined the Reds' coaching team last summer under the helm of Arne Slot and played an integral role as Liverpool clinched their 20th league title, matching a historic record. Ajax found themselves in need of a new gaffer after Francesco Farioli's departure, which came on the heels of a catastrophic end to the season where his side squandered a nine-point lead in the last five matches, handing the Eredivisie crown to PSV Eindhoven.
Heitinga, who had a stint as interim manager at Ajax in early 2023 and started his playing career with the Amsterdam club, is now set to take the reins as head coach.
When quizzed about the possibility of Ajax eyeing Heitinga, Slot remarked last week: "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."
With pre-season looming in early July, Liverpool is now weighing up their options to fill the vacancy left by Heitinga, with several candidates likely to be considered.
Marino Pusic, who has previously worked alongside Slot at AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord, is on the market after recently parting ways with Shakhtar Donetsk, where he secured a domestic double in the 2023/24 season and lifted the Ukrainian Cup this term.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and assistant coach John Heitinga
John Heitinga joined Liverpool when Arne Slot became the new Reds manager last summer (Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Etienne Reijnen, presently the assistant coach at Feyenoord, was initially set to join Slot at Anfield last summer, but work permit complications put paid to the move.
Additionally, ex-Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has been mentioned as a potential addition, especially as he's anticipated to leave his managerial post at Beerschot in the coming weeks following their demotion from the Belgian Juliper Pro League.