Arne Slot DESPERATE to stop surprise Liverpool exit

Jurgen Klopp's decision to leave Liverpool at the end of last season meant that Arne Slot was brought in as his replacement.

And since he's arrived, the Reds have been on fire in each of the competitions they have competed in.

READ MORE: Liverpool on TV - Fixtures, kick-off times and channel details for every game

But while Slot deserves immense credit for helping the players reach such incredibly high-performance levels, a lot of work has been put in by the Dutchman's backroom staff, who also joined the club when Klopp's coaching team disbanded.

Whether it be spending time with the players on a one-on-one basis, or leading training sessions from time to time, Slot and his team have made the transition this season feel almost seamless.

One man heavily involved in the process is former Everton defender John Heitinga, who became Slot's assistant coach following spells with Ajax and West Ham. His impact has been noticed more than most, and he is now on the shortlist for a number of different teams' managerial positions.

West Brom want Heitinga for promotion charge

It was reported earlier this week by The Times, that Heitinga is high is the favourite to take over Carlos Corberan at West Brom, with the Dutchman "keen to move into management when the time is right", although the Baggies would "face a battle to persuade the 41-year-old to leave mid-season."

And given that Heitinga has only been on Merseyside working with Slot for half a season, and in respect of the high praise he has received for helping Liverpool sit in the positions they are in the Premier League and Champions League tables, this would be a significant blow.

But sources in the Netherlands have now confirmed the interest in Liverpool's assistant coach, clarifying some further details about why West Brom are approaching him.

According to De Telegraaf, "the board and owners of West Bromwich Albion are convinced that the Dutchman has the potential to be a strong head coach... West Bromwich Albion believes that Heitinga can help the club to promote from the Championship to the Premier League."

This would make sense, given Heitinga's brief stint as an interim manager at Ajax in the past, and as the coach is so highly regarded amongst the Liverpool players and staff, it is plausible that if he could push West Brom into the Premier League, then they might be able to stay up the following year.

But it will take an incredible effort from the Baggies if Liverpool were to give Heitinga up, especially because of his role in Liverpool's early success.

The report continues with words from Slot on the importance of his right-hand man. He says: "One of the reasons why we work together is that we have so many things in common. Whether it is playing style, the formation or the changes we make during matches.

"I couldn't have wished for a better man on our staff. He is very talented and I don't even give him the credit he really deserves. He is more than an assistant."

As impactful as Slot has been on the side, it is unknown quite how important Heitinga is to the Reds. But in order to not shoot themselves in the foot, it is unlikely that the club would be open to letting such a highly regarded member of staff leave mid-season.

However, given how impressed different clubs have been with his efforts so far, Heitinga's long-term future at Liverpool will be uncertain if he continues to receive such high praise from opposition teams.

READ MORE: Liverpool want to REPLACE Darwin Nunez with former Manchester City star