Arne Slot’s former right-hand man has returned to the Premier League — and he’s now teamed up with one of Liverpool’s biggest rivals.

A former Liverpool assistant coach has returned to the Premier League just eight months after departing Anfield.
Shortly after becoming Reds boss, Arne Slot brought John Heitinga into his coaching setup, having previously worked with him following the Dutchman’s spell under David Moyes at West Ham. The former Everton defender was part of the backroom team that celebrated domestic success last season, before leaving in May to take over as Ajax head coach — a role that lasted only five months before his dismissal.
Now, Slot’s former aide is back in English football and has once again linked up with a London club.
Heitinga joins Tottenham’s coaching staff
Tottenham Hotspur confirmed on Thursday that Heitinga has been appointed first-team assistant coach under Thomas Frank. The Spurs head coach revealed that the 42-year-old will focus largely on defensive duties at Hotspur Way.
Frank said: “As a former defender, that will be one of his main responsibilities on the training pitch. He also brings valuable coaching and leadership experience from across the game, which will be a big asset for us going forward.”
Appointment adds intrigue to Liverpool v Spurs clash
Despite Slot previously expressing a desire for Heitinga to remain at Liverpool this season, the Dutchman’s Premier League return has come with Tottenham rather than the Reds.
While Spurs aren’t traditional rivals or direct competitors at present, the move may still leave a sour taste for some Liverpool supporters. Heitinga will now be working alongside Richarlison — a player with a well-documented and uneasy history with LFC — which could add extra edge to Tottenham’s visit to Anfield in mid-March.
After his short-lived stint at Ajax, Heitinga will be eager to prove himself, and his arrival at Spurs may also signal confidence in Thomas Frank’s position amid recent speculation about his future.
It remains to be seen how Slot will feel behind the scenes watching his former trusted lieutenant link up with a Premier League opponent.