Alongside the highly praised Arne Slot at Liverpool, his assistants Sipke Hulshoff and John Heitinga are also making a good impression with The Reds. Former Liverpool goalkeeper and Viaplay analyst Sander Westerveld has noticed this.
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Slot’s decision to bring Sipke Hulshoff and John Heitinga to Liverpool reflects his vision for building a strong and cohesive coaching staff, aiming to bring new tactical insights and a fresh dynamic to the team.
His previous working relationship with Hulshoff at SC Cambuur and Feyenoord established a foundation of trust and understanding, which Slot wanted to carry over to his new role in Liverpool. However, bringing Heitinga onboard was a different story, as the two had not worked together before. According to Sander Westerveld, a former Liverpool goalkeeper and Viaplay analyst, Slot was convinced to include Heitinga based on glowing recommendations from those familiar with his work. “Arne didn’t know John very well personally, but he’d heard through various channels that many players were very enthusiastic about John’s work,” Westerveld explains. This reputation helped secure Heitinga’s spot within Slot’s staff, showcasing Slot’s willingness to expand his circle based on professional merit.
Westerveld, who keeps close tabs on Liverpool due to his work at Viaplay and frequent visits to Anfield, notes that Hulshoff and Heitinga have made a strong impression. Last season, Heitinga served as an assistant under David Moyes at West Ham United, bringing valuable Premier League experience to Liverpool’s setup. Westerveld remarks, “At Liverpool, they’re also impressed with John and Sipke. John focuses on individual coaching and the defense with the first team, which has really helped refine Liverpool’s defensive approach. Sipke, on the other hand, is truly Arne’s right-hand man they have such a strong connection that they only need to look at each other to understand one another.” This chemistry is crucial for Slot’s coaching style, as he values seamless collaboration and tactical synchronicity.
While Heitinga’s past with Everton, Liverpool’s city rival, could have posed an issue, Westerveld reveals that it hasn’t been a point of contention. As someone who also played for both Liverpool and Everton, Westerveld understands the complexities of such a situation. “Arne discussed it with John, but John didn’t see it as a problem. Liverpool fans don’t mind that either,” he notes. This smooth acceptance speaks to Heitinga’s professionalism and the fans’ focus on results rather than past affiliations. Liverpool will face Everton at Goodison Park on December 7, and Westerveld humorously speculates, “John might hear something from the Everton fans then,” hinting that the rivalry could bring some playful exchanges.
Adding to the support for Heitinga, Boudewijn Zenden, who played for Liverpool between 2005 and 2007, attended a recent home match against Chelsea at Anfield, partly to visit Heitinga. Interestingly, Zenden and Heitinga share a family connection Heitinga is married to Zenden’s sister. “John’s presence adds an extra dimension to watching Liverpool, yes,” Zenden shares. “With my work and other commitments, I haven’t had many chances to return to Liverpool, but during the autumn break, we were able to go to Anfield with the family also to see John there.” Zenden’s support further underscores the connections within the football community, as former teammates and family members rally around Heitinga in his new role.
This move also adds a personal layer to Heitinga’s experience at Liverpool, with friends and family witnessing his contributions on one of football’s biggest stages. For Slot, the ability to build a team of trusted and capable assistants reflects his desire to bring Liverpool to a new competitive level, utilizing Hulshoff’s tactical acumen and Heitinga’s defensive expertise. As Liverpool continues through the season, the impact of Slot’s coaching team is likely to grow, solidifying their presence within the club and earning respect from players and fans alike.
Updated: 02:43, 6 Nov 2024
