Arne Slot makes first Liverpool signing as new-look backroom staff starts to take shape

Arne Slot’s backroom staff at Liverpool is starting to take shape after the first member of his dugout was confirmed.

Ruben Peeters will become Liverpool’s new first team lead physical performance coach, and is joining the Dutchman in making the move from Feyenoord to Anfield. He had previously served as head of performance at the Eredivisie club over the past three seasons, following six years as a physical coach with Belgian side KRC Genk.

Peeters’ agency, Claes Agency, announced that the 32-year-old was joining Liverpool on Monday and also confirmed that he would be accompanying both Slot and assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff.

READ MORE: Pep Guardiola exit will leave Man City in unwanted position Jurgen Klopp avoided at Liverpool

READ MORE: Liverpool could re-open £171m transfer pathway as Reds icon in talks over stunning return

Alongside a video posted on LinkedIn, which was reposted by Peeters, the agency wrote: “Done deal by Claes Agency: Ruben Peeters to Liverpool FC!

“Ruben will be Liverpool FC’s first team lead physical performance coach, accompanying Arne Slot and Sipke Hulshoff.

“From KRC Genk to Feyenoord to the big stages at Liverpool FC. You’ll Never Walk Alone Ruben Peeters! Inspired by your future.”

Slot, who will officially start work as the first head coach in Liverpool’s history on June 1, is also expected to bring Etienne Reijnen with him to Merseyside, while Mark Burchill and Craig McKee have both been tipped to join new sporting director Richard Hughes at the club from AFC Bournemouth.

There will be mass changes behind the scenes at Anfield this summer after Jurgen Klopp’s exit as manager at the end of the season. Pep Lijnders, Peter Krawietz, Vitor Matos, John Achterberg, Jack Robinson, Andreas Schlumberger, and Andreas Kornmayer have all joined the German in leaving the club. Peeters will help replace the latter two, who served as head of fitness and conditioning and head of recovery and performance.

While Slot’s trusted backroom team members will help fill some of the voids, Liverpool are also currently advertising for a first team set piece coach, first team physiotherapist, and physical performance coach-strength and conditioning lead on LinkedIn.