Liverpool announce former Everton defender John Heitinga will become assistant coach to Arne Slot

Liverpool have announced that former Everton defender John Heitinga will work as assistant coach to Arne Slot.

Heitinga represented the Toffees as a player for five years but is now helping out the red half of Merseyside as the right-hand man of new manager Slot.

The Dutchman joins in Liverpool having recently served as first team coach West Ham last season.

He began his coaching career at Ajax, managing the under-17 team between 2017 and 2021.

After being promoted to coach Jong Ajax for two years, he briefly took charge of the former between January and June 2023.

In EvertonHeitinga played for them between 2009 and 2014, signing as a defensive midfielder before moving to centre-back.

He won the Fans' Player of the Year award in the 2011/12 season, but gradually lost his place and left in January 2014.

Heitinga enjoyed a successful playing career elsewhere, making 87 appearances for his native Netherlands and also representing Ajax, Atletico Madrid, Fulham and Hertha Berlin.

But being Liverpool assistant could represent his biggest challenge in football yet, with the Reds beginning life without legendary manager Jürgen Klopp.

The 40-year-old will join Liverpool for their pre-season tour of the United States, with his first game coming against Real Betis at the Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on July 27.

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They then face Arsenal in Philadelphia four days later before taking on Manchester United in South Carolina on August 4. Liverpool complete their pre-season campaign against Sevilla at Anfield on August 11.

Slot's first competitive game in charge of Liverpool sees him take on newly-promoted Ipswich Town on August 17, a match you can listen to live on talkSPORT.