Former Liverpool Coach Heitinga Joins Premier League Rival

John Heitinga, the former Liverpool assistant coach, has joined Tottenham Hotspur as an assistant coach under head coach Thomas Frank, marking his return to Premier League coaching just months after his dismissal from Ajax.[1][2]

Heitinga, a retired defender known for his playing career across Europe—including five years in the Premier League with Everton and spells at Fulham, Hertha Berlin, and Atlético Madrid—earned 87 caps for the Netherlands.[2] Since hanging up his boots in 2016, he has built a coaching resume with assistant roles at West Ham United and Liverpool, as well as managerial stints at Ajax in 2023 (interim) and 2025.[2][3]

At Liverpool, Heitinga served from July 2024 to around May/June 2025 under Arne Slot, contributing to the Reds' triumphant 2024–25 Premier League title-winning campaign.[2][3] His departure from Anfield aligns with recent staff changes, including the exit of set-piece coach Aaron Briggs, which Slot described as a typical January shuffle.[1]

Heitinga's Ajax tenure ended abruptly in November 2025 after just five months, amid struggles in domestic and European competitions.[1][2] Tottenham moved quickly to secure him, with Frank praising the 42-year-old's addition: "John is a great addition to our coaching staff. His ability, personality and character will add huge value both on and off the pitch."[1][2] Frank highlighted Heitinga's defensive expertise, noting it as a key focus on the training pitch, alongside his broad coaching experience from elite levels.[1][2]

This move intensifies the rivalry between former Liverpool staff and Spurs, as Heitinga brings title-winning insights from Anfield to north London. Tottenham continues its January refresh, with other changes like Conor Gallagher's arrival and Rodrigo Bentancur's hamstring surgery.[2]

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