Pepijn Lijnders was Jürgen Klopp’s assistant at Liverpool from 2015 to 2024 (minus a short trip to Nijmegen). The Dutchman was therefore an important piece of Klopp’s and Liverpool’s success. When Klopp resigned, it was natural for Lijnders to step up as head coach. The choice fell on Erling Haaland’s springboard.
In May, Lijnders signed for RB Salzburg, a stepping stone not only for players like Haaland, but also for coaches within the Red Bull family. When Jürgen Klopp was also put in charge of Red Bull’s football venture, many thought that Lijnders had a bright future in the RB system. Right up until Monday.
Today came the confirmation that Lijnders has been fired. RB Salzburg’s formula for success is to secure Champions League play to attract the big talents, after a disappointing start the club is ten points behind leader Sturm Graz after 16 games.
-We recently started analyzing what unfortunately has not been a satisfactory season so far. It was clear that in many of our games we have been far below our level and our own demands. Therefore, we have become convinced that the team needs new energy with a new management, even though we hoped for a change at the end, it is written on Salzburg’s website.
Red Bull, with Klopp as global head of football operations, Klopp’s long-time wingman at Liverpool kicks just sixteen league games into the job. A rather strange story.
