Giovanni van Bronckhorst has officially joined Arne Slot`s coaching team at Liverpool. The former Arsenal defender and fellow Dutchman will serve as an assistant coach, stepping in after John Heitinga`s departure to become head coach at Ajax.
The 50-year-old brings significant experience from managing top European clubs. He successfully led Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title during the 2016/17 season before leaving in 2019.
In the 2021/22 season, van Bronckhorst managed Rangers, securing the Scottish Cup and guiding them to the Europa League final, where they were defeated by Frankfurt on penalties.
His most recent managerial role was at Besiktas, but his tenure was short-lived. Appointed in 2024, he was relieved of his duties in December 2024 following a series of poor results.
Van Bronckhorst also enjoyed a successful playing career. Notably, he played for Arsenal, winning the FA Cup in 2003. He then moved to Barcelona, initially on loan in 2003 before making the transfer permanent in 2004. During his time at the Nou Camp, he won the Champions League in 2006 and back-to-back LaLiga titles in 2005 and 2006.
Joining a Liverpool side that won the Premier League title last season, van Bronckhorst is expected to play a crucial role in integrating new summer signings like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong into the squad.
In other staffing updates at Anfield ahead of the 2025/26 season, changes have been announced within the goalkeeper coaching department. Fabian Otte and Claudio Taffarel are set to leave the club.
Their departures coincide with the return of Xavi Valero, who previously served as a goalkeeper coach at Liverpool under Rafa Benítez in 2007. Valero has been appointed as the new head goalkeeper coach.
Marcus Bellamy