Arne Slot has been confirmed as Liverpool's new head coach, and captain Virgil van Dijk seems to have confirmed Sipke Hulshoff's appointment as assistant manager.
Following the official announcement that Slot will assume his role on June 1, Liverpool is now focusing on assembling his support staff.
Sipke Hulshoff is anticipated to join Merseyside as Slot's assistant manager, a move that Van Dijk seemed to verify in a recent interview.
In a discussion with NOS, which was translated by Football Oranje, the Liverpool captain expressed: "I am very happy for him (Slot) and his family.
"And of course for Sipke (Hulshoff), even though he won't be here (at the Netherlands camp)."
Van Dijk's comments refer to Hulshoff's resignation from his position with the Netherlands national team, where he served as Ronald Koeman's assistant, ahead of Euro 2024.
This move strengthens the speculation that he will be officially announced as part of Liverpool's staff soon.
Who is Sipke Hulshoff?
Liverpool's first addition to Slot's backroom staff has been confirmed. The 49-year-old, who has previously collaborated with Slot at SC Cambuur and Feyenoord, is set to arrive in Merseyside shortly.
Hulshoff, likened to the outgoing Liverpool assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders, works intimately with Slot, often leading training sessions. His tenure with the Netherlands national team saw him work closely with players like Van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Ryan Gravenberch.
Van Dijk, speaking during Hulshoff's initial camp with the Dutch team, commended his training impact, noting the coach's clarity and tactical acumen. He expressed to vi.nl, "I didn't know Sipke Hulshoff before. It's about getting acquainted.
You recognize his strengths, and I certainly appreciate them. I hope he maintains this good work. He is very clear and tactically strong. I like the moments when he leads a training session.”
Appointments already made
It's confirmed that Slot will take over as the new head coach, and Liverpool has also appointed a lead physical performance coach for the first team.
Ruben Peeters has been announced for the position by his agency. His responsibilities seem to intersect with those of Andreas Kornmayer and Andreas Schlumberger, who both left earlier this summer.
Kornmayer was the head of fitness and conditioning, and Schlumberger managed recovery and performance.
The Reds are looking to implement more changes to their backroom staff this summer, with several positions being advertised at the AXA Training Centre, including a first-team physiotherapist and a strength and conditioning-focused physical performance coach.
