Liverpool boss Arne Slot adds Barcelona & Netherlands legend to coaching staff after John Heitinga exit

The appointment of Van Bronckhorst is believed to be a decision led directly by Slot, who is putting together his handpicked coaching team for the 2025-26 season. Before moving into coaching, Van Bronckhorst enjoyed a highly-decorated playing career. He wore the jerseys of top European sides including Feyenoord, Rangers, Arsenal, and Barcelona.

Van Bronckhorst transitioned into coaching after retiring in 2010, initially serving as assistant coach at Feyenoord. He took over as head coach in 2015 and led the team to Eredivisie glory in 2016–17, along with two KNVB Cup wins. His career then took him to China with Guangzhou R&F, followed by a successful stint at Rangers, where he guided the Scottish side to a domestic cup win and a place in the Europa League final during the 2021–22 season. His most recent role was at Turkish club Besiktas, which he left in late 2024.

Though he won’t be taking on the formal title of assistant manager, that remains with Slot’s long-time collaborator, Sipke Hulshoff, Van Bronckhorst is expected to play a pivotal role within the coaching unit. Interestingly, Van Bronckhorst had previously spent time gaining additional coaching experience through the City Football Group, which included work alongside Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

Liverpool have also confirmed another major addition to their backroom staff, with Xavi Valero returning as the club’s new head of first-team goalkeeper coaching. Valero spent seven years with West Ham United before rejoining the Reds. His previous stint at Anfield began in 2007 under Rafael Benitez, and he continued to follow the Spanish manager across top European clubs including Inter, Chelsea, Napoli, and Real Madrid.

Van Bronckhorst and Valero will join Liverpool on July 8, the first day of pre-season and will subsequently fly to Asia, where the Reds are scheduled to play AC Milan and Yokohama F. Marinos in the last week of this month.