Pep Lijnders Reportedly Declined The Opportunity To Succeed Klopp

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In the end, the Dutch assistant coach decided to strike out on his own, rather than follow the legendary manager.

For several years, former Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders was considered a front runner to eventually replace Jurgen Klopp when the time came for him to step down. Sadly, that day came and went, but Liverpool decided on another Dutch manager—Arne Slot—to follow in the German’s giant footsteps.

According to an interview in The Athletic, Good Pep was in fact considered, but was not particularly keen to fill the role.

“Jurgen asked me about it a few times in recent years,” Lijnders said in the interview,

“The season before I got the question from Jurgen and two times this season, but each time I said ‘no’. The first reason was I really felt that this was a project of ‘us’. Jurgen led it and I really felt we should end this project together.

“Secondly, I’ve been at Liverpool for nearly 10 years. I was ready for a new experience: new people, my own staff, my own players. I gave everything I had to this playing group. I think the team would continue with the same ways if I stayed here.”

Although it seems that Jurgen Klopp was keen to pick Pep as his successor, it also appears that both Pep and FSG had other ideas.

“[President of FSG] Mike [Gordon] said, ‘Pep, we really considered you, but I think it’s fair for you that we don’t put you after Jurgen.’ Mike is a good guy. He knew as well. I’d made my ambition clear. It was best for the future.”

Reading between the lines, this is probably an attempt from all involved parties—especially Pep—to save face, making it a mutual decision, rather than FSG simply picking a manager with more experience.

Although Pep would’ve been a good “continuity” candidate, his lack of managerial experience, especially in a top flight league, would have been concerning. This, in turn, would’ve made it more difficult for the fans and the club to give him the time necessary to build the foundations for long-term success.

Lijnders is now off to manager Red Bull Salzburg, which is a great opportunity—one without enormous expectations, and being constantly under a microscope—to succeed on his own right.

Best of luck, Good Pep. Don’t forget to pack your intensity.