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Sander Westerveld has advised Liverpool to overlook club legend Steven Gerrard and instead back Marino Pusic as the ideal replacement for departing assistant coach John Heitinga.
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Sander Westerveld believes the club should not consider Steven Gerrard for the assistant coach role vacated by John Heitinga. The Dutchman stepped down to become Ajax’s new head coach, leaving Arne Slot seeking a trusted new figure for his Anfield backroom staff.
Several names have emerged as potential candidates, including Etienne Reijnen, Dirk Kuyt, and Marino Pusic — the latter having worked closely with Slot at both AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord.
Westerveld: “Pusic is the Perfect Fit”
Speaking to FCUpdate, Westerveld, a former teammate of both Gerrard and Slot, strongly backed Pusic to rejoin Slot’s coaching setup at Liverpool.
“When I saw how Slot and Pusic worked together at Feyenoord, I think he is the perfect candidate,” Westerveld said. “He won’t need telling — Arne will know that himself.”
Westerveld added that, while Gerrard’s stature is unquestionable, his profile might unintentionally overshadow the current structure at Liverpool.
“With Gerrard, you have a name that attracts attention globally,” he noted. “But Arne is the number one, Sipke [Hulshoff] is number two, and the new assistant would be the number three. You want balance.”
Gerrard Linked but Not in Contention
Although Gerrard has been linked with various coaching jobs since leaving Al-Ettifaq in January 2025, including a brief rumour of a Rangers return, reports suggest he is not currently under consideration at Anfield.
The ex-Liverpool captain last worked at the club in 2017–18 as U18s manager. While his leadership credentials are well known, Westerveld’s comments underline the desire for a Slot-centric support team — with familiarity and tactical alignment taking precedence over legacy.
Pusic Available After Shakhtar Exit
Marino Pusic recently left his role as Shakhtar Donetsk manager after securing the domestic double in 2023–24 and lifting the Ukrainian Cup this season. His previous collaboration with Slot saw significant success, making him a natural candidate for the assistant coach vacancy at Liverpool.
He previously left Feyenoord in October 2023 to take the Shakhtar job, having also held the head coach position at FC Twente. His deep tactical relationship with Slot could offer much-needed continuity as Liverpool enter a new era post-Jürgen Klopp.
Liverpool Face Key Backroom Decision
With John Heitinga’s departure now confirmed, Liverpool’s hierarchy is carefully evaluating their options. The next appointment will be crucial in shaping Arne Slot’s early months at Anfield.
While Gerrard’s name inevitably carries weight, the direction Liverpool take could signal a clear commitment to Slot’s vision — one potentially led by a familiar and trusted lieutenant in Marino Pusic.
This article was updated 4 weeks ago