Andy Robertson has claimed that Liverpool's Premier League title success would not be possible without Arne Slot's assistant John Heitinga as he played tribute to the coach after his exit was confirmed
17:22, 01 Jun 2025
Andy Robertson speaks after Liverpool 0-1 Crystal Palace
Robertson called the coach a 'legend' in a heart felt post(Image: Sky Sports)
Liverpool left back Andy Robertson was one of a number of players to send their well wishes to John Heitinga, who has left his role as Arne Slot's assistant to become the new head coach of Dutch giants Ajax.
The 41-year-old, who previously played in the Prem for Fulham and Everton, joined the Reds last summer as part of the incoming Slot's backroom team, and helped guide the team to the league title.
The former Netherlands international, who previously worked with David Moyes at West Ham, is returning to the club where he began his career.
He now faces the difficult task of reviving a team whose historic title race collapse last season has been well documented and scrutinised as they threw away a nine-point lead at the top of the table and ultimately lost the title to rivals PSV.
PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 5: assistant coach John Heitinga of Liverpool during the warming up during the UEFA Champions League match between Paris Saint Germain v Liverpool at the Parc des Princes on March 5, 2025 in Paris France (Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)
John Heitinga played over 100 times for Everton, but found success on the Red side of Merseyside as a coach(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
The news was confirmed by all parties on Saturday morning and Robertson was one of the first players to pay tribute to Heitinga and wish him well in his new role.
The Scot shared a snap of him and Heitinga celebrating the Reds' title win on last week's bus parade with the message: "Success this season wouldn't of been possible with you! Good luck legend."
The club also commented on Heitinga's departure with a statement which read: "Liverpool FC can confirm John Heitinga is to depart the club to take up the role of Ajax head coach.
Liverpool first-team assistant coach John Heitinga (right) with head coach Arne Slot
Arne Slot will need to look for a new number 2(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
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"The 41-year-old leaves the Reds after one season in the backroom team, operating as assistant coach to Arne Slot. He now assumes a position in charge of former club Ajax in his native Netherlands. John leaves with our gratitude and appreciation for his role in our 2024-25 Premier League title win."
Heitinga heads to Amsterdam to succeed Francesco Farioli, who left his post in the aftermath of the club's end of season collapse.
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The former centre-back made over 200 appearances for Ajax during his playing career and has also had spells as the club's reserve team boss and as interim head coach. Liverpool will now assess their options in terms of appointing a successor to Heitinga ahead of the new season.