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Liverpool and Netherlands midfielder Ryan Gravenberch(Image: Marcel van Dorst / EYE4images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Ryan Gravenberch has admitted it is a 'shame' John Heitinga has left Liverpool to join Ajax.

The Reds confirmed at the end of May that Heitinga has left his role as assistant to Arne Slot to return to Ajax to become their new head coach.

The 41-year-old is returning to Amsterdam for the fourth time, having enjoyed two spells at the club as a player and a brief stint in charge of the senior side in 2023.



The former Everton defender replaced Francesco Farioli, who departed the club after a single season in charge.

And reacting to the news, Gravenberch, speaking while away on international duty with the Netherlands, first praised Slot before going on to talk about Heitinga's departure.

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"A very good coach, with a great eye for detail," the midfielder said about Slot.

"I also talked a lot about my game this season with John Heitinga, watched a lot of footage as well.

"I personally think it's a shame that he's going to Ajax, but I think they have a good coach in him."

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In the interview with Algemeen Dagblad, Gravenberch went on to praise the coaching staff on Merseyside for helping to keep him in perfect condition to start all 34 Premier League matches to the point where the team were confirmed Premier League champions.

"Can I keep that up?

Good question," he replied.

I also have to compliment the Liverpool staff on that: they made sure that we were always perfectly prepared physically for the matches."

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Liverpool finished 10 points clear of second-place Arsenal in the Premier League table, and Gravenberch is already looking forward to the start of the new season.

"I'm someone who prefers to look to the future than back," he said.
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