Liverpool’s new assistant coach, John Heitinga, may be fresh to the role, but his admiration for the Reds’ style of play has been long-standing. After retiring from professional football in 2016, Heitinga wasted no time in pursuing a coaching career, earning his coaching badges and gradually making his way up the ranks at Ajax.
Having now obtained a UEFA Pro License, Heitinga has joined Liverpool as one of Arne Slot’s assistants in a revamped backroom staff. While the coaching personnel may have changed, the team’s style of play is expected to stay true to the high-energy game implemented by Jurgen Klopp.
In a 2020 interview with The Athletic, Heitinga revealed that he draws inspiration from various sources, including Liverpool under Klopp. He mentioned Ajax’s footballing style from the past, particularly influenced by legends like Cruyff and Van Gaal, as well as the player-manager relationships fostered by David Moyes. Heitinga also credited Pep Guardiola and Diego Simeone as additional influences. He specifically highlighted Liverpool’s high-intensity approach, stating that they have the quickest way to goal when in possession.
Heitinga’s coaching journey at Ajax spanned seven years at their renowned De Toekomst academy before he was appointed caretaker manager in January 2023 following Alfred Schreuder’s departure. Although he achieved a commendable record of 14 wins in 22 games, he didn’t secure the role on a permanent basis. Consequently, he joined West Ham as Moyes’ assistant for the 2023/24 season.
The 40-year-old’s experience at Ajax, both as a player and coach, has equipped him with qualities that Liverpool values, including a commitment to developing players from their academy. Heitinga emphasized the interconnectedness of the Ajax setup, where information is shared among all levels of the club. He spoke about their open approach, stating that there are no secrets and that age is merely a number if a player is talented enough. He acknowledged that taking risks might result in some losses, but the crucial aspect is the opportunity for learning and growth.
Heitinga’s childhood dream of becoming the Ajax manager has come and gone, at least for now. Dutch football journalist Elko Born speculated that Heitinga may have had a change of mindset following his stint as caretaker manager. Born questioned whether Heitinga now believes he may be too young for a first-team managerial role and requires more experience as an assistant before taking on senior leadership. Perhaps Heitinga discovered that he is more suited to being a coach rather than the figure in charge, and the assistant role at Liverpool aligns better with his skill set.
In conclusion, Liverpool’s appointment of John Heitinga as assistant coach brings a blend of admiration for the Reds’ style of play and experience from his time at Ajax. As part of a new-look backroom staff, Heitinga’s coaching journey and influences have shaped his approach to the game, aligning with Liverpool’s high-energy philosophy. While his dream of becoming Ajax manager may have been temporarily put on hold, Heitinga’s role as an assistant at Liverpool presents an opportunity for him to continue developing as a coach and contribute to the success of one of Europe’s top clubs.