Liverpool Football Club have confirmed the departure of their assistant coach.

John Heitinga joined Liverpool in July 2024, as he linked up with Arne Slot to become part of his coaching staff.

He took charge of Liverpool for the first time in their 2-0 win over Newcastle on 26th February 2025, whilst Arne Slot and assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff were suspended.

Heitinga, a former Everton player, was crucial to the coaching team that speared Liverpool to their second league title in five years and Arne Slot’s history marking triumph in his debut season in charge.

Liverpool confirms John Heitina departure with Arne Slot assistant to take over as Ajax head coach	Liverpool consider options for Arne Slot new assistant as John Heitinga departure confirmed	Liverpool Confirm Departure Of John Heitinga

He will now become Ajax’s head coach, looking to pick the Netherlands side up from a disappointing end to the current season, that saw the league title slip away from them on the final game of the season, despite holding a nine-point lead at the end of March.

Heitinga will be entering familiar surroundings, after previously playing for Ajax, and being an interim manager for them back in 2023, he has now stepped up to be their head coach.

The former Liverpool assistant coach has signed a contract until June 30th 2027.

He joins Pep Ljinders as two men who have recently been part of the coaching staff at Liverpool and have gone on to become the manager of a team.

Pep Ljinders took control of RB Salzburg but failed to impress in Austria, with news now emerging that he is set to join Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff at Manchester City.

Heitinga will be hoping for a more successful spell, as he returns to his homeland.

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