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Former Everton defender Johnny Heitinga has been appointed as Arne Slot's assistant coach at Liverpool and the ex-Toffees defender's past comments may come as a surprise to Reds fans

Sport

Chris Burns

20:00, 18 Jul 2024



John Heitinga has joined Arne Slot's coaching staff at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool's new assistant coach John Heitinga shared his insights on the team under their former manager Jurgen Klopp.

And the eyebrow-raising move sees fellow Dutchman Heitinga return to the city after a successful stint with The Reds' local rivals from 2009-2014.

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Earlier this month, Heitinga confirmed that he had been in discussions with Liverpool, and now the former Everton centre-back is officially a Red.

However, the switch of the former defender to the red side of Merseyside should not be too surprising, given that the 40-year-old has previously praised Liverpool under Klopp, as reported by the Mirror.

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The seasoned defender, who also played for Ajax and Atletico Madrid, was speaking to The Athletic when he disclosed that The Reds' style of play under Klopp directly influenced his coaching.

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Also Liverpool's high intensity - when they get the ball, it's the quickest way to goal."

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Reds fans might fret over the prospect of their side's trademark dynamism changing under Slot.

Snapped up by Everton when he was 26 from Atletico Madrid for a fee slightly north of £6million, Heitinga quickly endeared himself to Toffees fans, clocking up 115 appearances for the club.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is making changes on the training pitch for The Reds(Image: Getty Images)

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Reflecting on his time at Everton, he shared: "I saw Goodison and watched matches live on TV.

I'll never forget my first day there - it was a very warm welcome," and, in a statement that might not sit well with Liverpool fans, added: "A team like Everton will always be in my heart."

Slot's decision to bring in the former Blue is part of a major revamp that has already seen him recruit staff members Fabian Otte, Aaron Briggs and Sipke Hulshoff in a significant shake-up at Liverpool.
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