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Heitinga accepted an offer to become the head coach of Ajax several weeks ago, prompting Arne Slot to search for a new No.2.

Liverpool announced on Wednesday that the role has gone to Giovanni van Bronckhorst, subject to him acquiring a work permit.

Van Bronckhorst's decision to join Liverpool represents something of a step back in terms of the role he will assume at Anfield, having been the manager of the likes of Feyenoord, Rangers and Besiktas since retiring from playing.



The 50-year-old actually became Rangers manager after Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard left the club to become the head coach of Aston Villa in 2021.

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As such, Van Bronckhorst struck up a friendly relationship with Gerrard, and when Gerrard was sacked by Villa just 11 months after taking over, Van Bronckhorst reached out to show his support to the former Reds captain.

Speaking shortly after Gerrard's Villa Park exit, Van Bronckhorst said: "For him personally, since I joined here I have had regular contact with Steven about his time at Aston Villa and, of course, the games we play at Rangers.

"It’s part of your job, I sent him a message as well this morning

Van Bronckhorst reached out to Gerrard following his Villa sacking

"For sure, he will learn from his time at Aston Villa and also with his time at Rangers to become a better manager for his next job."

Van Bronckhorst's appointment isn't the only change to Arne Slot's backroom staff ahead of the new season — the goalkeeping department has also been overhauled.

Head of first-team goalkeeper coaching Fabian Otte and goalkeeper coach Claudio Taffarel have also left, making room for the return of Xavi Valero.

Valero, who previously worked at Liverpool under Rafa Benitez, is returning as the new head of first-team goalkeeper coaching.

As for Gerrard, he is at a crossroads in his managerial career after following up his unsuccessful stint at Villa with a similarly underwhelming stint in Saudi Arabia as the manager of Al-Ettifaq
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