Arne Slot’s Liverpool assistant ‘makes decision on his future after interest from Championship club’ in appointing him as their new manager
Arne Slot’s assistant at Liverpool has made a decision on his future following interest in his services from a Championship club, according to a report.
Slot has taken to life at Anfield like a duck to water since being appointed as Jurgen Klopp’s successor in the summer, winning 14 of his 18 Premier League games and losing just one.
His side are six points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table, but have played a game less than the Gunners, who are also currently beating Brighton. They also have a perfect record in the Champions League.
Few expected that the Dutchman could have the kind of impact he has had on Merseyside, but he has also been joined by a man who is familiar with the city to help his acclimatise.
That man is former Everton defender John Heitinga, who made over 100 appearances for the Toffees between 2009 and 2014. He has been working as Slot’s assistant since the start of the season, but there has been reported interest in his services.
West Brom are said to have enquired about appointing the 41-year-old as their new manager, after Carlos Corberan departed for Valencia last month.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool assistant has reportedly made a decision on his future at the club
John Heitinga joined Slot at Anfield in the summer after leaving West Ham with David Moyes
He had reportedly been of interest to West Brom after Carlos Corberan left the club last month
The Mirror, however, report that Heitinga has decided to stay at Liverpool despite the interest.
Rob Jansen, who is Heitinga’s agent, said: ‘John will definitely stay at Liverpool this season.’
Heitinga, who also played for Fulham in the Premier League, was working with David Moyes at West Ham last season but left the club when the Scot departed at the end of the campaign.
He had a brief stint in charge of Ajax in 2023, having also coached in the club’s academy after finishing his career in his homeland in the Netherlands.
Ajax is also where he started his playing career, before a stint with Atletico Madrid and then heading to England with Everton.
Slot said of his assistant upon his appointment: ‘John Heitinga is here with me for the first half of the season and I couldn’t have wished for more. A very, if I say talented I don’t rate him high enough because he’s more than that.
‘He’s been a head coach before, still young but grew into our staff from the start in a good manner and has the same idea about football – that’s why I chose him.’
