Dirk Kuyt’s Future Lies Away from Arne Slot’s Liverpool Revolution
As Liverpool build on their Premier League title-winning campaign under Arne Slot, attention has shifted to matters beyond the pitch. While the club’s football has dazzled under the Dutchman’s guidance, the quiet restructuring behind the scenes may prove equally decisive in sustaining success. One prominent name, however, will not be part of the next chapter: Dirk Kuyt.
Kuyt Not in Line for Anfield Role
Reports had circulated that former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt, currently managing Belgian outfit Beerschot, might join Slot’s Anfield staff. Given Kuyt’s fierce work ethic and natural rapport with the club’s supporters, the rumours carried a certain romantic appeal. However, his agent Rob Jansen has firmly shut the door on that prospect.
“No, it will be a different assistant manager,” Jansen said on the KieftJansenEgmondGijp Podcast. “That would have been great for him. Liverpool’s assistant will be someone else. It would have been great for Dirk. He would have loved to go to Liverpool. Assistant there is of course a serious level.”
It is understood that Kuyt will leave Beerschot this summer following their relegation from the Belgian top flight, though his next move remains unclear. For now, though, he won’t be part of the backroom hierarchy that Slot is assembling in his second season on Merseyside.
Slot Rebuilds Backroom Without Heitinga
The departure of John Heitinga to become Ajax’s new head coach left a notable vacancy on Liverpool’s coaching staff. Heitinga’s low-key but essential work last season was a major component in the club’s resurgence, offering tactical insight and a strong presence alongside Slot and Sipke Hulshoff.
With pre-season rapidly approaching, Liverpool are actively seeking a replacement, ideally one familiar with Slot’s methodology and the intensity required at the elite level. That makes former Feyenoord assistant Marino Pusic, who recently left Shakhtar Donetsk, an obvious contender. Pusic previously worked closely with Slot and is well-versed in the demands of a high-pressing, possession-oriented system.
No Clear Favourite Among Former Players
The absence of Kuyt opens the door to speculation around other ex-Liverpool stars. Steven Gerrard, recently back from a coaching stint in Saudi Arabia, has been loosely linked. Similarly, Thiago Alcantara, who officially retired from playing this month, was also mentioned. Yet neither appear to be in serious contention at present.
For Slot, the decision is as strategic as it is sentimental. As a tactician known for structure and discipline, he will want someone who complements his philosophy, rather than merely offering a connection to the club’s illustrious past. While Kuyt would have brought passion and experience, the role demands a blend of tactical acumen and modern training methodology.
Eyes on Pre-Season Preparations
With Liverpool’s pre-season tour drawing closer, there is pressure to finalise the coaching group swiftly. A smooth summer transition is vital if Slot is to build on the tactical foundations that saw the Reds claim their 20th league title.
The Dutchman’s impact has already been monumental. Winning the Premier League in his debut season raised eyebrows across Europe and reinvigorated belief at Anfield. Now, with a vacancy in his inner circle, the next appointment could shape Liverpool’s evolution in year two of the Slot era.
While Dirk Kuyt’s romantic return won’t materialise, his story is yet another reminder of how closely intertwined Liverpool’s modern journey remains with its past icons. But sentiment alone won’t dictate decisions under Slot. Precision, structure and clarity — qualities the Dutchman values highly — are what will define Liverpool’s future staffing.
