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There has been some changes among the Liverpool staff setup at Anfield in recent weeks.
John Heitinga has made the decision to leave Arne Slot’s backroom staff and has already been announced as the head coach of Ajax.
The former Netherlands defender, who joined Liverpool in 2024, has experience from his time as interim Ajax boss in 2023.
His arrival follows Ajax’s dramatic collapse in the 2024-25 Eredivisie title race, where they squandered a nine-point lead to PSV Eindhoven.
Meanwhile, former Liverpool winger Stewart Downing has returned to the club as a global talent scout.
The 40-year-old made 91 appearances for Liverpool between 2011–2013.
Downing report to chief scout Barry Hunter, expanding the club’s reach in markets like South America and Eastern Europe.
And in yet more staff reshuffling, Liverpool U21 coach has now Barry Lewtas announced his departure from Liverpool Football Club after 12 years of distinguished service in the Academy system, concluding an era that has seen the club’s youth development reach lofty heights.
The 44-year-old coach has overseen the final transition pathway from Academy to first team as U21s head coach for the past five seasons.
He said to liverpoolfc.com:
“Sometimes you just know the time is right for a new adventure and I really feel the perfect time for me is now,” said Lewtas.
“Of course, I’m sad to be moving on but I also have 12 wonderful years to look back on, including the last five with the U21s. Seeing young players make that next step to the LFC first team or moving on to success elsewhere is hugely satisfying.
“I want to give a massive thanks to all the staff I’ve worked with throughout the age groups, to all the players who have been part of those teams and also to their parents, who are often forgotten about but play such a vital role in making sure their sons can reach their full potential.
“Everything I’ve ever done has been about the team and they have all helped make the journey as special as it has been. Now I’m looking forward to being a fan from afar and full of energy and excitement for what comes next.”
Several notable players have developed under Lewtas’s guidance, including Curtis Jones, who began working with him at the U15 level, and Conor Bradley, who progressed under his coaching from the U16s onward.
Harvey Elliott also benefited from crucial experience in Lewtas’s Youth League squads.
Additionally, Vitezslav Jaros, James McConnell, Tyler Morton, and Jarell Quansah advanced to make appearances for the senior team.
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