"He is so much more than a colleague to me" - Pep Lijnders on Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders has opened up on his relationship with first-team boss Jurgen Klopp.

Lijnders and Klopp have had plenty of success working alongside each other.

They have helped the Reds win the Champions League, Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, Premier League title, League Cup and FA Cup.

Therefore, Lijnders has revealed that Klopp is more than a colleague to him.

As quoted by Anfield Watch's Twitter account, he told the club's official website the following: "Do we disagree? Of course. Does he want me to leave his office sometimes? Of course. But I believe and feel I can count with – and on – him. He is so much more than a colleague to me.

"To explain our early relationship, this is a good example: wherever I’d worked before, I had my playing ideas on five big flip-charts printed out.

"The middle one was my game idea explained with core principles over eight steps; the other four were the principles for when we have the ball, when they have the ball, counter-pressing and individual principles in and out of possession.

"It covered a big part of the wall of the old coaching office. It was my life on there. When Jurgen first came into the club, after a week or so he asked who they belonged to.

“They are my way of believing, gaffer,” I told him, “you want me to take them off?” He replied: “No, I like them – keep them there. Wow! Every year I would add new ideas, or tweak the existing ones.

"Stability in coaching is what creates consistency… and aren’t we coaches all searching for consistency?"

Anfield Watch Verdict

It's brilliant to hear Lijnders speak so positively about Klopp. But, we love that the Dutchman challenges the German.

Klopp is a world-class manager. However, the reality is, he does not know everything about the game of football.

Klopp is capable of making mistakes. So, there will be times when he will need another opinion.

That is when Lijnders comes into play. Hopefully the duo can help Liverpool win a trophy or two this season.

The Reds challenged for the quadruple last season, so they are certainly a chance to claim some silverware this campaign.