Feyenoord assistant manager Etienne Reijnen looks set to leave the Dutch club and move abroad amid links with Liverpool.
Arne Slot attempted to hire Reijnen after joining the Reds in 2024, but the Dutchman did not have the requisite qualifications to obtain a work permit. Reijnen subsequently joined the staff of former Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.
However, after rumours emerged that Feyenoord could take Giovanni van Bronckhorst from Liverpool, Reijnen has come into the picture at Anfield once again. Now, departing Feyenoord technical director Dennis te Kloese has seemingly confirmed that the young coach is set to leave as well.
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Reijnen likely to leave Feyenoord and work abroad
Reijnen was Slot’s first pick to join him at Liverpool before pivoting to John Heitinga. Van Bronckhorst subsequently arrived, but could now leave to make way for a third assistant coach in three seasons.
That likelihood feels a little closer after Te Kloese’s comments to ESPN Netherlands show Goedemorgen Eredivisie this weekend, when he touched upon claims that Van Persie has a reputation of doing everything on his own.
“Etienne Reijnen, who is simply a very talented young coach. He doesn’t just go abroad to work for no reason,” said the director.
“And then with John de Wolf, you have someone who knows the club culture and the identity, the relationship with the supporters, and the relationship with the youth.”
While this is clearly not direct confirmation that Reijnen will join Liverpool, the inference that he is heading abroad for his next job should put supporters on alert.
Clearly, the majority of fans will be disappointed to hear of Reijnen’s potentially imminent arrival, with the implication being that Slot is set to stay at Anfield.
However, it should still be seen as a positive that the former Feyenoord boss can finally get the backroom team in place at Liverpool that he wanted all along.
After two years, Slot looks likely to have his first-choice in place. Hopefully it can lead to a turnaround in form.
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