Liverpool still have plenty of incomings to happen between now and the new season.
The Reds’ on-field success has been clear for all to see, with their star-studded players bringing home Liverpool’s 20th league title.
However, matters off the pitch are just as important and the work that goes on behind the scenes can be the driving force behind winning trophies.
Liverpool’s former assistant manager John Heitinga was just one of the unsung heroes from last season, with the Dutchman vacating his role this summer after becoming the new head coach at Ajax.
That now leaves a void that desperately needs filling and who that would be is still unknown, although one former Liverpool player is no longer in contention.
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Photo by TOM GOYVAERTS/Belga/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by TOM GOYVAERTS/Belga/AFP via Getty Images
Dirk Kuyt’s agent rules him out of becoming Liverpool’s assistant manager
It is currently just Arne Slot and Sipke Hulshoff at the helm for Liverpool, with the Reds still looking for one more person who will likely be third in command.
Former forward Dirk Kuyt, who is currently managing Belgian side Beerschot, was a name thrown into the mix, although his agent has confirmed that he won’t be taking up a new role at Anfield this summer.
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“No, it will be a different assistant manager,” said his agent Rob Jansen on the KieftJansenEgmondGijp Podcast.
“That would have been great for him. Liverpool’s assistant will be someone else. It would have been great for Dirk. He would have loved to go to Liverpool. Assistant there is of course a serious level.”
Kuyt is still expected to leave Beerschot this summer after their relegation from the Belgian Jupiler Pro League, although his destination is still unclear.
Who else could be Liverpool’s new assistant manager?
With one former player now ruled out of joining, there are still a few that could be in contention for a reunion.
Despite Steven Gerrard and Thiago Alcantara being two names linked with the job, neither of the ex-midfielders are the favourites to take over from Heitinga.
Instead, Slot’s old assistant coach Marino Pusic is the strongest candidate after leaving Shakhtar Donetsk this summer, with a potential reunion looking likely.
Ideally, a new assistant would be appointed before Liverpool’s pre-season tour, although the majority of rumours are yet to gain significant traction.