Tottenham: Under-pressure Frank brings in Heitinga to bolster backroom staff
Former Ajax boss John Heitinga has joined Tottenham
Thomas Frank has bolstered his backroom staff at Tottenham by taking on John Heitinga as an assistant coach.
Former Netherlands international Heitinga has held similar roles previously at West Ham and Liverpool, helping the latter to the Premier League title last season under Arne Slot.
His success on Merseyside saw him named Ajax boss in May last year – his second coaching spell with the Amsterdammers after an interim period in charge in 2023 – but the 42-year-old lasted just five months before being sacked after a 3-0 defeat at home to Galatasaray in the Champions League.
He joins Spurs with the pressure firmly on Frank. Tottenham sit 14th in the Premier League having won just one of their last six games while they were also knocked out of the FA Cup at the weekend after losing at home to Aston Villa.
A great addition at Tottenham, says Frank
Frank said: “John is a great addition to our coaching staff. His ability, personality and character will add huge value both on and off the pitch.
“He had an impressive playing career across Europe – including five years in the Premier League – and with the Dutch national team.
“As a former defender, that will be one of his main responsibilities on the training pitch, and he brings great coaching and management experiences from all levels of the game, which will really help us moving forward.”
Rafi also joins Tottenham
Heitinga is the second new face through the door at Spurs today after the club announced Carlos Raphael Moersen had been appointed to the newly created role of director of football operations.
Moersen, who is known as Rafi, joins Spurs from the City Football Group and will lead the club’s football administration, player care, and training ground operations, and join the executive leadership team.
Sporting director Johan Lange said: “We are delighted to welcome Rafi to the club. He was the outstanding candidate from a highly competitive process and brings a wealth of experience in this critical area of our football operation.
“His appointment is an important step as we continue to strengthen our football structure and support long-term success.”
Spurs host London rivals West Ham on Saturday.