Johnny Heitinga’s agent has revealed his delight as his client has signed on to be assistant manager at Tottenham Hotspur.
De Telegraaf cover comments from him today. He insists that Heitinga’s return to London is a well informed one.
The former Ajax boss has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Tottenham to become Thomas Frank’s assistant manager. The move comes just over two months after Ajax sacked him.
It marks a return to an assistant role for Heitinga after he stepped away from the same position at Liverpool in the summer. He had been a key part of Arne Slot’s backroom team last season when they won the Premier League title.
He has, reportedly, been sorely missed at Anfield since his departure. Indeed, there have been calls for him to return when Liverpool have struggled this season.
Instead, he is now heading to London, where he previously worked with West Ham under David Moyes. Now it’s Tottenham, where he’ll work alongside under-fire Thomas Frank.
Tottenham move explained by agent
The move has come about earlier than many would have expected given his departure from Ajax. But his agent, Rob Jansen, insists he could have moved sooner.
“In England, John is highly regarded, has a fantastic reputation, and is seen as one of the most talented managers of the moment,” he said.
“This new job seems to be coming quickly, but it could have happened much sooner.
“Just like after the first time he was sent away from Ajax, there was enormous interest in John. This time, too, there was almost immediate concrete interest. And one of the options was Tottenham Hotspur. So, for me, this move is not unexpected at all.”
He is also insistent that the move to Tottenham is not just his client jumping in at the first opportunity presented to him.
Pitch key for Johnny Heitinga
“Football is one big risk. But you either run away from that, or you don’t,” he added.
“John has listened to Tottenham Hotspur’s story and spoken to everyone who matters. He’s become convinced and knows what he’s getting into.
“Frank did well at Brentford and was given the opportunity at Tottenham Hotspur. The fact that he ended up with Heitinga says a lot about the esteem in which John is held in England. Perhaps the Netherlands has a completely wrong image of him.”
Heitinga has had something of a crazy year. Almost a year ago to the day he was still at Liverpool and being linked with the managerial role at West Brom.
Then he left the Reds, took over at Ajax, became a victim of the chaos at the club, and has now returned to English football with Tottenham.