Pep Lijnders, former assistant coach at Liverpool, has shed light on his and Jurgen Klopp’s decision to depart from the club earlier this year. Lijnders, who had two significant spells at Anfield, played a key role in the team’s success under Klopp, helping secure Premier League and Champions League titles, as well as several domestic trophies.
The 41-year-old coach left his role to take up a managerial position at Red Bull Salzburg, where he currently leads the team in the Austrian Bundesliga. Despite a challenging start, including three losses in the Champions League, Lijnders remains focused on his new venture. Reflecting on his exit, he emphasized the importance of timing and ensuring the club was well-prepared for a smooth transition.
Leaving at the right time
Speaking about the decision to step down, Lijnders revealed that it was crucial for him and Klopp to leave Liverpool in a way that allowed the club to continue thriving. “The main thing we wanted was to depart at the right moment, giving the club enough time to find suitable replacements,” Lijnders explained. He acknowledged the difficulty in finding a coach who could meet Liverpool’s high standards but expressed satisfaction with how things have unfolded.
Lijnders praised Arne Slot, Klopp’s successor, for his seamless transition into the role. Slot’s impressive performance as Liverpool manager, including a 1-0 victory over RB Leipzig, has left Lijnders feeling proud of how the club is moving forward. “It’s amazing to see what Arne is doing. I feel incredibly grateful to witness the club performing at such a high level,” he added.
A decade of dedication to Liverpool
Lijnders also spoke fondly about his ten years at Liverpool, describing the club as his life during that time. He credited Liverpool’s fans, players, and the entire organization for shaping his career, noting that his focus was entirely on the team’s success throughout his tenure. “For a decade, Liverpool was all I thought about, day and night – even during holidays,” he reflected.
He emphasized that leaving early was part of a strategy to ensure the club’s future success, allowing for a smooth handover to Slot. Lijnders expressed his belief that Liverpool’s legendary managers, Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley, would be proud of the current state of the club.
Klopp’s future with Red Bull
While Lijnders embarks on his managerial journey at Salzburg, his former colleague Jurgen Klopp is preparing for a new chapter. After being linked with several national team roles, Klopp will return to football in 2025 as an advisor for Red Bull’s global network of clubs. This new position will mark a significant step in Klopp’s illustrious career, as he continues to influence football on a global scale.
