)
Arne Slot had a dream start at Liverpool, winning the Premier League in his first season.
This success was achieved with John Heitinga as his assistant. That partnership seems to be coming to an abrupt end. Heitinga appears to be on his way to Ajax.
In the Sportnieuws.nl podcast De Maaskantine, Robert Maaskant discusses the potential succession. "Schreuder and Pusic have also suddenly left their clubs..."
In the Sportnieuws.nl podcast De Maaskantine, Robert Maaskant discusses the potential succession. "Schreuder and Pusic have also suddenly left their clubs..."
Maaskant believes Heitinga's departure will be a significant loss for both Liverpool and Slot. "Apparently, Slot is losing a very useful assistant, so Arne will have to fill that void again.
)
08:31 - 26.05.2025
Liverpool manager Arne Slot claims defending EPL title won't be easy
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has said that his team's chances of defending the Premier League title are slim.
)
23:52 - 25.05.2025
Big summer or not, we will shine — Arne Slot previews 2025/26 Premier Leagues season
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot discussed their expectations for nect season.
"I find that interesting, especially considering the available Dutch candidates," says the currently unemployed manager, who expects Slot to favour a fellow countryman for his staff. "He'd likely appreciate that."
Marino Pusic or Alfred Schreuder?
The list of potential Dutch candidates for the assistant role is limited, but according to Maaskant, two names stand out, particularly given their recent developments: Marino Pusic and Alfred Schreuder.
"They've both suddenly left their clubs recently," Maaskant notes, viewing the latter as an "excellent assistant". "He's already proven that, despite also gaining experience as a head coach."
Maaskant did reach out to his Liverpool counterpart. "I asked Arne, 'Are you going for a former Liverpool player?' Because I can imagine wanting a club icon with some coaching experience on board. However, I can't think of a name off the top of my head," concludes the former manager of Go Ahead Eagles, NAC Breda, and Helmond Sport.
)
Club icons Kuijt and Gerrard
There are also rumors coming out of England about a surprising name: Dirk Kuyt. The former Liverpool striker is a free agent after his tenure as head coach at Beerschot. But Maaskant isn't convinced this pairing would work. "I don't think Arne wants to work with Kuyt. But if Dirk gets the chance, there's a good chance he'll jump at it."
Presenter Rick Kraaijeveld also suggests the name of club legend Steven Gerrard. Yet it seems unlikely the Englishman would settle for an assistant role. "I think Gerrard is already a step beyond being an assistant. He has plenty of opportunities to be a head coach somewhere."
Maaskant views the whole situation as a fascinating managerial carousel. "It's just an interesting dance around managers: big clubs switching, positions shifting. Look at Ancelotti leaving Real Madrid, Ten Hag going to Leverkusen. Then the whole system starts turning and moving."
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)