John Heitinga: Tottenham Assistant Coach – Liverpool Connection Sparks Debate

Published: January 15, 2026

John Heitinga has made a surprise return to Premier League coaching by joining Tottenham Hotspur as First Team Assistant Coach under Head Coach Thomas Frank, as announced by the club today.[1][2] The former Ajax, Everton, and Netherlands defender brings a wealth of experience from both playing and coaching, marking an unexpected move that has Liverpool fans reflecting on his brief but impactful stint at Anfield.

Heitinga's coaching journey began in 2016 after retiring as a player, starting with Ajax's youth teams. He served as interim manager for Ajax's senior side in January 2023, then moved to West Ham United as a First Team Assistant. In July 2024, he joined Liverpool as Assistant Coach under Arne Slot, contributing significantly to the Reds' Premier League title win in the 2024-25 season.[1] However, he left Merseyside in May 2025 to take the Head Coach role at Ajax, where he was dismissed just five months later in November 2025 amid poor domestic and European results.[2]

As a player, Heitinga amassed over 400 club appearances for Ajax, Atletico Madrid, Everton, Fulham, and Hertha BSC, earning 87 caps for the Netherlands across major tournaments.[1][2] His five years in the Premier League with Everton and Fulham add familiarity to English football.

Thomas Frank praised the appointment: "John is a great addition to our coaching staff. His ability, personality and character will add huge value both on and off the pitch... As a former defender, that will be one of his main responsibilities on the training pitch."[1][2] Frank highlighted Heitinga's experiences from all levels of the game.

The move to Tottenham, a direct rival to Liverpool, has stirred reactions among fans. Despite his role in Liverpool's triumph, Heitinga's short Ajax tenure and Premier League pedigree make him a strategic fit for Spurs' ambitions. This appointment underscores the fluid nature of coaching staff in modern football, with Heitinga now tasked with bolstering Tottenham's defensive setup and overall performance.[1][2]

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