Liverpool’s coaching staff has seen a new addition with the confirmation of John Heitinga as an assistant coach. Heitinga, a former Everton player, brings his coaching experience from Ajax and West Ham to the club. The hope is that he will have a similar impact to Pep Lijnders, who worked alongside Jurgen Klopp.
Heitinga’s appointment comes as part of a broader restructuring under Arne Slot, with Sipke Hulshoff and Ruben Peeters also joining the coaching staff. Raymond Briggs has been appointed as the first team individual development coach, replacing Vitor Matos.
However, Liverpool missed out on signing Lille centre-back Leny Yoro. It is believed that Yoro’s high wages at Manchester United played a role in Liverpool pulling out of the deal. Yoro is set for a medical at Old Trafford.
In other news, campaigners have welcomed the Hillsborough Law plans confirmed by the new Labour government. This is seen as a positive step in seeking justice for the victims of the Hillsborough disaster.
Despite rumors linking Jurgen Klopp with the England manager position, journalist Florian Plettenberg has stated that Klopp remains committed to Liverpool and will not be Gareth Southgate’s successor. Klopp is reportedly taking a season-long break.
There is also news regarding Liverpool’s transfer activities. A Saudi Pro League club has beaten Liverpool to the signing of goalkeeper Bento. However, this may actually be good news for Liverpool as they continue to assess their options in the transfer market.
Liverpool is now in talks to sell defender Billy Koumetio after he was left out of Slot’s pre-season squad. There is interest from Dundee United in Scotland.
On the player front, Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah is expecting to “kick on” next season after a breakthrough campaign. Meanwhile, newly-retired Thiago has taken up a coaching role at Barcelona to gain some experience.
Liverpool’s ticketing team has issued an apology for a “serious technical issue” that affected club members in the ticket ballot. The club is working to resolve the issue and ensure it doesn’t happen again.
Looking at other clubs, Chelsea has started disciplinary proceedings against Enzo Fernandez after he posted a “racist and discriminatory” video on social media. Newcastle’s chief executive, Darren Eales, has stated that the club wants to keep Eddie Howe and will resist any approaches for the vacant England job.
Finally, Luka Modric has signed a one-year extension at Real Madrid, keeping him at the club until next summer.
To learn more about John Heitinga’s arrival at Liverpool, you can watch a conversation between This Is Anfield and Dutch football journalist Elko Born about the Reds’ newest recruit.