Pep Lijnders reveals KEY reason behind Liverpool manager snub

Pep Lijnders has revealed one of the key reasons why he wasn't offered the chance to replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager this summer. 

After a long managerial search that spanned several months, Liverpool eventually decided that Feyenoord boss Arne Slot was the man they wanted to succeed Klopp.

However, plenty of other names were considered, including initial front-runners Xabi Alonso and Ruben Amorim, but also some more surprising names in Luciano Spalletti and Ernesto Valverde.

One other potential candidate, of course, was Klopp's number two Lijnders, who had been the German's assistant manager during his time at Anfield. Logic would suggest that the ambitious 41-year-old was at least considered.

Well, Lijnders has confirmed that he was examined for the role, but there was one key reason why he wasn't offered a chance to take the hot seat.

PEP LIJNDERS REVEALS REASON BEHIND MANAGERIAL SNUB

Speaking with The Athletic, Lijnders was quizzed about whether he was approached by owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) about taking over from Klopp.

"[FSG president] 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."

However, Lijnders suggested that he almost certainly would have turned down any offer from Liverpool regardless.

"Jurgen asked me about it a few times in recent years," said Lijnders. "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 ten 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. I feel that the team as well needs something new."

Lijnders has got his wish of a new challenge after being appointed RB Salzburg manager heading into the 2024/25 campaign, his first stint as a head coach since his brief and unsuccessful spell at NEC Nijmegen in 2018.