Latest news with #Heitinga
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Kieran Tierney genius exposes 'sloppy' Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering
The Premiership champions side came apart at the seams to fall 5-1 to the Dutch giants as the boss reiterated his demand for more Celtic have earned acclaim for dismantling some heavy hitters over the past two pre-seasons and the plaudits keep coming despite Ajax ripping them apart amid a second half mauling in the Como Cup. Brendan Rodgers' side came apart at the seams to fall 5-1 to the Dutch giants as the boss reiterated his demand for added quality at the final whistle but their tactics before the second half implosion left a telling impact on the opponents. And it was a far cry from the side who roughshod over Manchester City, Chelsea, Sporting and Newcastle in recent summers after the interval, however, Ajax boss John Heitinga was quick to note the job the Premiership champions did in an impressive opening salvo as they created multiple chances before Yang cancelled out Steven Berghuis' opener. Speaking to ESPN, Heitinga said: "It was a good practice match. In the first half, we didn't always apply the pressure properly. "We were sloppy and unfamiliar. You're happy with the win and you saw some good things. "We needed to grow into the game. Jaros made several good saves. During the first half, we became more settled. "We were sloppy in possession, and Celtic exerted good pressure. You can see their automaticity. A team that will start next week." And Heitinga conceded Kieran Tierney brutally exposed the perils of playing a high line as his inch-perfect pass released Reo Hatate to set up the oncoming Yang at the back stick. The former Liverpool No.2 added: "The line of possession to their striker [Idah] was often open. When we pushed forward, we were often one-on-one defensively. Then you have to win all your personal battles. "They had a lot of positional changes, and we struggled with that quite a bit in the first half. "When we lost possession, we weren't always positioned well. That's the most important lesson from the first half." Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond. You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Celtic page, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to your phone. Join our Celtic community here.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool copies Trent Alexander-Arnold move with Johnny Heitenga statement
Liverpool issued a blunt farewell message to Johnny Heitinga after he accepted an offer to become Ajax's new head coach. Heitinga only joined the Reds a year ago, but the chance to take charge of the club he made over 200 appearances for proved too tempting to resist. Advertisement Heitinga, a former Everton defender, has signed a two-year contract with Ajax, ignoring advice from Arne Slot, who had told the 41-year-old to continue his development as coach at Anfield for one more year. "Liverpool FC can confirm John Heitinga is to depart the club to take up the role of Ajax head coach," a Liverpool statement said. "The 41-year-old leaves the Reds after one season in the backroom team, operating as assistant coach to Arne Slot. READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Florian Wirtz mega offer, Luis Diaz 'talks', Jeremie Frimpong confirmed READ MORE: Bayer Leverkusen sends cryptic Florian Wirtz social media post as Liverpool transfer edges closer Advertisement "He now assumes a position in charge of former club Ajax in his native Netherlands. John leaves with our gratitude and appreciation for his role in our 2024-25 Premier League title win." The Liverpool statement did not include well-wishes for the future, which was also the case when the Reds confirmed Alexander-Arnold's exit. "Liverpool FC can confirm an offer has been accepted for Trent Alexander-Arnold from Real Madrid for his transfer upon the opening of the June transfer window," a statement published on Friday said. "The full-back is now set to join the La Liga club ahead of the expiry of his Reds contract this summer. Advertisement Liverpool will receive a fee for his services, with the deal to be concluded once the window opens on June 1. "Alexander-Arnold joined the club's Academy at the age of six and progressed through the ranks to make his senior competitive debut in October 2016. Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure was confirmed in a similarly cold statement -Credit:/Getty Images For The Premier League "He now departs Anfield after 354 appearances and 23 goals for the club, as well as lifting eight major honours alongside his teammates, which consist of two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup and two League Cups. "Alexander-Arnold leaves Liverpool FC with the club appreciative and grateful for his contribution to those successes." Advertisement Heitinga went against Slot's recommendation in taking the Ajax job, after the Liverpool head coach responded to a question about Ajax's interest in him last week by recommending that he should stay on Merseyside for now. 'If Ajax would be smart, they would consider him. He is ready to take on a job like that,' Slot told reporters last week. 'If John is smart, he would stay one more season.'
The Independent
12-06-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Arne Slot eyes former Rangers manager to beef up Liverpool backroom staff
Giovanni van Bronckhorst is a leading contender to join Liverpool's coaching staff as Arne Slot looks for a replacement for the departed Johnny Heitinga. Slot is considering the case of his fellow Dutchman as he looks to beef up his backroom team after Heitinga left to become manager of Ajax. Van Bronckhorst has an extensive managerial career in his own right after taking charge of Feyenoord, Guangzhou, Rangers and Besiktas. The 50-year-old was Rangers manager when they lost 7-1 to Jurgen Klopp 's Liverpool but also took them to the Europa League final. Like Slot, he won the Eredivisie title while in charge of Feyenoord. The former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder and left-back was also a Champions League winner as a player in 2006 and captained the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final, his final match before retiring. Slot has a long working relationship with Sipke Hulshoff, his assistant at Feyenoord, but brought former Everton player Heitinga on board last summer, aware of his greater experience in the Premier League.
Metro
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Ryan Gravenberch bemoans one Liverpool departure this summer: 'It's a shame'
Ryan Gravenberch is sad to see John Heitinga leave Liverpool this summer, saying it is a shame that his countryman has departed to take charge of Ajax. The 41-year-old only joined the Reds in the summer of 2024, coming in as Arne Slot's assistant. The former Everton, Fulham and Atletico Madrid defender quickly build a good reputation at Anfield and helped the club to the Premier League title. Ajax, where Heitinga started and finished his playing career then briefly took interim charge in 2023, have clearly been impressed. The Amsterdam giants have snapped up the 87-cap Netherlands international, signing him to a contract as manager until 2027. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. Gravenberch says Heitinga helped him specifically in a brilliant season as the 23-year-old found a new role at the base of the Liverpool midfield. On manager Slot, Gravenberch told Algemeen Dagblad: 'A very good coach, with a great eye for detail. He added: 'I also talked a lot about my game this season with John Heitinga, watched a lot of footage as well. 'I personally think it's a shame that he's going to Ajax, but I think they have a good coach in him.' Slot was asked about a link between Heitinga and Ajax last month, admitting that he would be a good fit for the role but suggesting that his compatriot should stay put for another year. 'If Ajax would be smart they would consider him,' said Slot. 'He is ready to take on a job like that. If John is smart, he would stay here one more season.' On his appointment at Ajax, which will be his first permanent senior role as a manager, Heitinga said: 'I am incredibly excited to start. 'The last years in England have done me a lot of good. I've been able to develop further alongside David Moyes and Arne Slot, while also getting a behind-the-scenes look at two major clubs. More Trending 'I'm ready to continue as a head coach and I'm honoured to be given that opportunity at Ajax.' Gravenberch has become an integral figure at Liverpool under Slot, making 49 appearances in all competitions last season and 37 in the Premier League-winning campaign. 'Can I keep that up? Good question,' he said. 'I think that recovering well after matches has become very important. 'Treating your body well. I also have to compliment the Liverpool staff on that: they made sure that we were always perfectly prepared physically for the matches.' MORE: Arsenal told they must cough up £84m to sign attacking target MORE: Chelsea set asking price as transfer flop Joao Felix chooses next club MORE: Liverpool star responds to rumours he could complete Bayern Munich transfer
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Agent talks 'SERIOUS option' of Liverpool contract
Liverpool nearly secured a new contract this summer. The Reds were a 'serious option' says one agent. Liverpool are dealing with an incredible number of incomings and outgoings this summer. We've already seen Jeremie Frimpong arrive and Caoimhin Kelleher leave and the season is barely over. Advertisement Every expectation is that Florian Wirtz will soon arrive, as will Milos Kerkez. There are strong links for both Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez to depart. We've got question marks over Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah, Kostas Tsimikas, Harvey Elliott... And we imagine Liverpool will push to sign a striker soon. It's all quite amazing given this is the start of the summer. But there's one other exit that will be difficult to handle. It's simply not the same as a player leaving. Heitinga departs Liverpool Johnny Heitinga is the new Ajax head coach, leaving Liverpool after just one season. It's not necessarily a shock that he took the job - Heitinga came up through the Ajax academy and a senior player there for nine years. Advertisement In fact, the Dutchman was even interim manager there for a spell in 2023. After the success Liverpool have had this season with Heitinga involved, he was a natural arrival at Ajax. But it seems there was a real chance for him to secure a future with Liverpool. That's according to his agent, Rob Jansen. "That he would leave Liverpool, we were already confirmed of that," says Jansen, per ESPN. "He was ready to take the next step. Later, by the way, we are very pleased that it worked out [with Ajax]." "From West Ham United to Liverpool, turned a mega-year there, but he wants to stand on his own two feet [as a head coach]. That's what he wanted for that. Advertisement "Extending at Liverpool was a serious option, they really wanted that too, but John said: 'if there is somewhere I can go to'..." It's always a blow when you lose a key member of the coaching staff. Liverpool, though, will have plenty of successors in mind as they look to plug the gap left by Heitinga. No one can begrudge him wanting to be a head coach. It certainly feels like he's earned it.
