Reader TTS

LIVERPOOL HAVE CONFIRMED JOHN HEITINGA IS LEAVING THE CLUB TO TAKE OVER AS HEAD COACH AT AJAX 12:01, 31 May 2025Updated 13:30, 31 May 2025 Liverpool have already started the process of

recruiting a new assistant coach after confirming John Heitinga is leaving to take over as boss of Ajax. Heitinga was appointed last summer by new Reds boss Arne Slot and became a key figure

in the backroom staff as Liverpool romped to a record-equalling 20th championship. Ajax were looking for a new boss after Francesco Farioli stepped down following his team's dramatic

collapse that saw them surrender a nine-point lead in the final five games to lose the Eredivise title to PSV Eindhoven. And Heitinga, who was previously interim manager at Ajax during the

first half of 2023 and began his career there as a player, will now assume the role of head coach at the Dutch side. READ MORE: Jeremie Frimpong on Liverpool five-year plan, his transfer

problem and phone calls from team-matesREAD MORE: Richard Hughes pulls off Liverpool transfer coup as hardline stance bodes well for Florian Wirtz Slot was asked last week about suggestions

Ajax were considering a move for Heitinga, and said: "If Ajax would be smart, they would consider him. He is ready to take on a job like that. If John is smart, he would stay one more

season." Liverpool will now consider their alternatives as they look to recruit a new assistant coach to Slot ahead of the squad reconvening for pre-season in early July, with a number

of names expected to be in the frame. Article continues below Marino Pusic was assistant to Slot at both AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord and is available after this month leaving his post as

Shakhtar Donetsk manager having won the domestic double in 2023/24 and the Ukrainian Cup this season. Etienne Reijnen, the current Feyenoord assistant coach, had initially been slated to

join Slot at Anfield last summer until the move was scuppered due to work permit issues. And former Liverpool attacker Dirk Kuyt has also been linked given he is expected to depart as

Beerschot manager in the coming weeks after their relegation from the Belgian Juliper Pro League.