- Liverpool are in line for another shake-up this summer
- A major behind-the-scenes figure is being targeted by a club abroad
- It will be a huge blow for Arne Slot
Arne Slot could see one of his trusted men depart Liverpool this summer amid a shock development behind the scenes.
The stability of Arne Slot’s backroom staff is facing its first major test, with reports suggesting one of the Dutchman’s most trusted lieutenants could be set for a surprise departure this summer.
This behind-the-scenes development comes at a precarious time for the head coach, as speculation regarding his own future begins to intensify following Liverpool’s recent struggles to maintain their usual standards in both domestic and European competition.
However, the 47-year-old seems to have a lot of credit in the bank after leading the Merseyside-based club to Premier League glory last term.
The Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) are continuing to back Slot despite increasing shouts for a managerial change at the club, with Jurgen Klopp’s successor expected to remain in charge next season.
However, he could still be forced into a backroom reshuffle this summer.
Feyenoord want Giovanni van Bronckhorst
This is because Giovanni van Bronckhorst is a primary target for Feyenoord, according to the Daily Mail.
The Dutch giants are reportedly on the hunt for a new technical director amid major behind-the-scenes changes, and Van Bronckhorst has emerged as a top candidate for the role.
The former Rangers manager arrived at Liverpool last summer and serves as an assistant to Slot, behind his right-hand man, Sipke Hulshoff.
However, he is now wanted at Feyenoord, where CEO Dennis te Kloese and advisor Dick Advocaat are among those said to be in a ‘state of flux’.
Van Bronckhorst, for his part, is prepared to listen to offers from the Rotterdam-based club, despite only arriving on Merseyside a year ago.
Van Bronckhorst’s exit would be major blow for Slot at Liverpool
It is worth noting that Van Bronckhorst was brought in as a replacement for John Heitinga, who became a popular figure among the Reds faithful despite his connections to Everton.
Heitinga left to take the reins as the Ajax head coach, allowing the former Besiktas boss to join Slot’s backroom staff.
However, the head coach could be forced into yet another behind-the-scenes reshuffle if Van Bronckhorst leaves for his former employers, Feyenoord.
Interestingly, it could open the door for Heitinga to return to Anfield, as he is currently without a job after leaving Tottenham.
Heitinga had joined Thomas Frank’s backroom staff at Tottenham in January after being sacked by Ajax, only to leave a month later.
The potential departure of Giovanni van Bronckhorst back to Feyenoord would represent a significant disruption to the rhythm Arne Slot has worked tirelessly to establish at Anfield.
While Slot arguably holds enough credit in the bank following last season’s Premier League triumph to withstand a period of on-field turbulence, the loss of a tactical heavyweight like Van Bronckhorst so soon after the departure of John Heitinga threatens to destabilise the club’s coaching continuity.
Van Bronckhorst was brought in specifically to bridge the gap left by Heitinga, providing a wealth of elite managerial experience that few assistants can boast.
For Feyenoord to target him as a Technical Director highlights his strategic value; however, for Liverpool, it creates an unwanted headache. Slot’s system relies heavily on a synchronised coaching staff, and losing a key lieutenant to a “state of flux” in Rotterdam would force the Reds into their third major backroom reshuffle in little over a year.
