Vitor Matos Secures New Job at Maritimo Amid Liverpool Shake-Up
Matos begins senior management journey in Portugal
Liverpool’s backroom overhaul has taken another turn as former Elite Development Coach Vitor Matos lands a first-team coaching role at Maritimo, marking his first move into senior management. The 36-year-old Portuguese coach will take the reins at the Liga Portugal 2 side, as confirmed by transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.
Matos, who joined Liverpool in October 2019, was a pivotal figure under Jürgen Klopp, tasked primarily with bridging the gap between the academy and senior side. However, his remit expanded steadily, becoming a consistent presence in the dugout during Liverpool’s domestic and European campaigns.
“Vitor Matos has landed himself a first-team job,” Romano stated, signalling a fresh chapter for the coach who departed Anfield alongside Klopp in June 2024.
Ljinders heads to City while French follows
Vitor Matos isn’t the only former Klopp lieutenant stepping into a new challenge. Pep Ljinders, another trusted assistant, has agreed terms to become assistant manager at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. It’s a high-profile switch that further underlines the esteem Klopp’s staff are held in across elite European football.
Joining Ljinders at the Etihad will be James French, the analyst who also left Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. Their double arrival adds to an increasingly familiar pattern: ex-Liverpool staff continuing their journeys at top clubs across Europe.
Downing returns to Liverpool in scouting capacity
Amid the exodus, there have been arrivals too. Stewart Downing, who made 91 appearances for Liverpool between 2011 and 2013, has returned in a new guise — this time as a global talent scout.
The 40-year-old will report to chief scout Barry Hunter as the Reds look to strengthen their talent acquisition strategy in under-tapped markets such as South America and Eastern Europe. The appointment is part of a broader effort to modernise and internationalise the club’s recruitment framework under new head coach Arne Slot.
Lewtas departs after 12 years of youth development
Another notable exit is Barry Lewtas, who confirmed his departure after more than a decade in Liverpool’s academy. Having led the U21s and played a central role in nurturing a generation of talent, Lewtas leaves behind a strong legacy at Kirkby.
His departure marks the end of an era, as the club looks to integrate new coaching philosophies under Slot’s watch. Lewtas’ influence spanned a transformative period for the academy, seeing players such as Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, and Jarell Quansah rise through the ranks.
Heitinga leaves, returning to Ajax after brief stint
Arne Slot’s arrival also coincides with the departure of John Heitinga, who has opted to rejoin Ajax following a brief spell at Liverpool. The former Netherlands international is hoping to play a central role in the revival of the Dutch giants, who dramatically lost the Eredivisie title to PSV Eindhoven after surrendering a nine-point lead.
His decision to return to Ajax reflects a broader theme of change and opportunity, with Liverpool’s former coaching core now dispersed across Europe — but still leaving their mark.
