'That's why I chose him': Slot raves about 'talented' Liverpool coach ahead of his touchline ban vs Southampton
Today at 07:00 AM
Liverpool are set to be without Arne Slot for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup visit to Southampton.
The Reds have quickly become used to the sight of the Dutchman patrolling the touchline following the exit of Jurgen Klopp.
However, the Liverpool head coach picked up his third caution of the season during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Fulham and will now serve a one game suspension.
That that comes during a Carabao Cup match which Liverpool will not be too afraid of losing is probably good news for the Reds.
In the past, if Klopp was not available, then supporters knew full well what to expect from Pep Lijnders on the touchline.
But with a new Liverpool coaching staff now in place, Slot has given more of an insight into his assistants who are set to take the match: John Heitinga and Sipke Hulshoff.
Arne Slot talks up John Heitinga and Sipke Hulshoff
By now, fans will have become familiar with both Heitinga and Hulshoff. However, we are yet to hear from either in their new role at Anfield.
As a result, Wednesday is going to be interesting if only to hear either Dutchman speak about the team.
Slot was not asked specifically who will take the team in his absence during Tuesday’s press conference, but when questioned about how he will delegate responsibilities at St Mary’s, the 46-year-old talked up both of his assistants.
“Sipke worked with me for a long time, so we know each other in and out especially football wise,” said Slot.
READ MORE: Arne Slot reveals what he did before hiring John Heitinga at Liverpool due to Everton 'legacy‘
“One of the reasons why we work together is because we have so much in common, if it’s about playing style, game model or the changes we make during the game.
“John Heitinga is now here with me for the first half season and I couldn’t have wished for more,” added the Liverpool boss.
“Very, if I say talented, I do not even rate him high enough because he’s more than that already, he’s been a head coach himself but he’s still young.
“He grew into our staff from the start in a very good manner. He has the same idea about football, that’s why I chose him to come to us as well. But the way he is with the boys is just like Sipke is, very positive. All the things we do we do together.”
Who are Sipke Hulshoff and John Heitinga
Given that he’s the more senior of these two coaches, it seems most likely that Hulshoff will be the one tasked with being the face of Liverpool’s game against Southampton.
The 49-year-old is described as Liverpool’s ‘First Assistant Coach’ on the club’s official website, and Hulshoff knows Slot best after two years as his number two at Feyenoord.
Heitinga, meanwhile, will already have been familiar to many Liverpool fans before joining the club in the summer.
The former Everton defender, who is given the title ‘Assistant Coach’ is highly rated in the coaching world after stints at Ajax and West Ham.
Perhaps it’ll be a joint effort between the two men, but either way, we’re set to learn a whole lot more about them before, during and after Wednesday’s game.
