Liverpool are reportedly set to make a big change to their coaching staff after months of speculation that Arne Slot could be sacked for a dismal season
Liverpool are edging closer to securing the appointment of Etienne Reijnen to their coaching setup.
In what represents the clearest sign that Arne Slot will be staying at Anfield, the Premier League giants are going for the coach who previously worked with his compatriot at Feyenoord and remained at the Dutch outfit until last Sunday, when he departed his position.
It is believed he’s informed those around him that he’s gearing up to join the Merseyside club, according to the Telegraph, despite claims Slot could face the sack after a woeful season with replacements including outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola touted.
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Slot had hoped to bring Reijnen with him to Liverpool in 2024 when he initially arrived, but the transfer fell through when Reijnen failed to obtain a work permit and was forced to remain in the Netherlands.
The Liverpool manager has encountered significant scrutiny over his future, following a campaign in which the Reds have tumbled from title winners to a team still battling to secure their Champions League spot. Last year’s achievements appear to have granted him the opportunity to continue, despite some calling for fresh leadership.
Slot himself stated recently that he anticipated being the Liverpool manager next season, though that was prior to another costly reverse at Aston Villa. Their 4-2 loss highlighted many of the weaknesses and problems that have been evident throughout the campaign, reports the Mirror.
Reijnen will assist Liverpool in becoming more tactically astute from set pieces and is expected to link up with Slot and his deputy, Sipke Hulshoff.
Questions remain over the role occupied by Giovanni van Bronckhorst, with the former Arsenal figure potentially departing Anfield.
Slot first encountered Reijnen when the duo played for PEC Zwolle in 2010 and they’ve remained tight-knit ever since. Slot brought him to Feyenoord, having been impressed by his work at Cambuur.
The Liverpool manager has been reticent about appointing Reijnen, stating: “As I always say about players, it is the same about staff members. As long as things are not done, then I will not be commenting on who we are signing or who we don’t.”
He added: “Well, it is fair to say that I have worked with him before. And I have a very high regard for him in terms of the coach he is. It is also clear that I tried to sign him two years ago when I first came here, but we couldn’t do it.”
Liverpool are poised to enter a new chapter with some of their stalwarts moving on. Mohamed Salah will depart Anfield after nine years, while Andy Robertson, a cornerstone of their defence, will also leave when his contract runs out.