Liverpool stance on Robin van Persie’s assistant emerges

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Liverpool are continuing to explore the possibility of bolstering their coaching ranks. Image Credits: Imago ImagesLiverpool are continuing to explore the possibility of strengthening their coaching staff, with reports suggesting Etienne Reijnen could soon be in line for a role in English football.When Arne Slot arrived from Feyenoord, he brought his assistants, including Sipke Hulshoff and Ruben Peeters as part of his backroom team.

Reijnen was also expected to join as a set-piece specialist, but his move collapsed due to work permit issues.Reports in the Netherlands now claim Slot still wants to bring Reijnen to Anfield once he completes further coaching qualifications, with a potential move expected to progress quickly once that process is finished.The situation is being interpreted as another sign of continuity under Slot, despite outside speculation linking Liverpool with other high-profile names such as Xabi Alonso.According to the Liverpool Echo, Etienne Reijnen could become an option for Liverpool as part of Arne Slot’s backroom staff.The report claims that “Reijnen could become an option with Slot continuing to evolve a coaching staff that has already seen a number of changes since his initial appointment as head coach in the summer of 2024. Reijnen is well known to the Liverpool boss having worked with him at Feyenoord.”Etienne Reijnen played with Liverpool boss Arne Slot at PEC Zwolle before later joining his coaching staff at Feyenoord in late 2023.Reijnen’s role focused on analysis and technical support for Slot, but after Slot’s move to Liverpool, the former centre-back remained at Feyenoord under manager Robin van Persie.Now operating mainly as a set-piece specialist, Feyenoord have scored 11 goals from set-pieces this season while conceding just four.By contrast, Liverpool have scored 15 set-piece goals but conceded 16 across the 2025/26 campaign, highlighting a key area of focus for Slot’s staff.There has been growing speculation over the composition of Liverpool’s backroom staff.

Assistant coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst has been linked with a possible return to Feyenoord, though not in a head coach role.Meanwhile, John Heitinga – who previously replaced van Bronckhorst – has been mentioned as a potential return option after being out of work since leaving Tottenham Hotspur following a short spell at Ajax.The former Netherlands defender made more than 200 appearances for Ajax before going on to work as their reserve team boss and interim head coach. Etienne Reijnen Feyenoord Robin van Persie