John Heitinga just can’t catch a break in the Netherlands. Even when he’s being praised, there’s still a snipe involved. And it’s the same with his move to Tottenham Hotspur this week.
Voetbal Primeur cover comments from Robert Maaskant today. He was discussing Heitinga’s move to Tottenham on ESPN’s Tekengeld (Signing Money).
Heitinga returned to England yesterday, signing a deal with Tottenham to become Thomas Frank’s new assistant manager. The return to the Premier League comes just a few months after he was sacked by Ajax.
The Dutchman came in for heavy criticism during his time at the club after joining them last summer. He had left an assistant role at Liverpool, where he was a key part of Arne Slot’s title winning set-up last year, to take the position.
It was a second shot at the role for him after a previous spell as caretaker manager failed to see him earn the role full-time. Now he’s returned to England, with his agent insisting that the decision has been carefully thought through.
He spoke out about the move yesterday and hit back at his client’s critics in the Netherlands too. He insisted that Heitinga was somewhat disrespected in his home country, which does not appear to be the case in England. His roles at Liverpool and now Tottenham are testament to that.
Tottenham coach gets a unnecessary swipe
That doesn’t stop the snipes from coming, though. Maaskant is the latest to send them, even if he’s praising the new Tottenham coach.
“They are also managers who don’t succeed,” he said.
“Pepijn Lijnders is a prime example. And apparently John Heitinga is too. But then you can still perform exceptionally well as an assistant.
“It requires something completely different. It’s a truly different role. It’s striking that both Lijnders and Heitinga are returning to a different club than where they were previously in England. Rumour has it that they have certain qualities.”
The Dutch will never not drag their own down when given the opportunity, much like many closer to home.