Pep Lijnders SPEAKS OUT on Jurgen Klopp Red Bull appointment
By
Will Comish
Will Comish
When Jurgen Klopp brought to an end his time at Liverpool last season, his assistant Pep Lijnders also moved on after nine years at the club.
Now in his debut managerial role at Red Bull Salzburg, Lijnders was surprisingly joined by Klopp who announced his new role at Red Bull as Head of Global Football.
Read more: Will Jurgen Klopp take Leeds role?
While Lijnders has had a difficult start to the season with Salzburg, losing stand-out matches in the Champions League alongside mediocre form in the Austrian Bundesliga, many feel his job is under threat.
However, with the new addition of Jurgen Klopp to the franchise, others now feel that Lijnders could be favoured in some way by his former boss.
Under Lijnders' leadership is former Red Bobby Clark and Liverpool loanee Stefan Bajcetic, both players that the Anfield faithful will be hoping can succeed at Red Bull.
In contrast, however, Klopp's move to Red Bull was deemed deeply controversial amongst his fans. Many claimed that he had taken the job as a cash grab — in direct contradiction to many fans' understanding of the German's character.
Lijnders pleased to have Klopp involved
In a recent interview with the Guardian, Lijnders said: “I’m very happy for Red Bull they have been able to sign Jürgen because he has been such an icon as manager.
"He will provide those clubs with a very strong identity in terms of playing style, leadership and humanity.
"He’s someone who knows me inside out; he knows exactly what’s going on and how I’m feeling. He’s someone with so much experience and knowledge. If I need him, I can always give him a call."
The relationship between the two coaches has always been strong, as they worked in tandem at Liverpool for most of Klopp's tenure.
And while Lijnders has been able to seek comfort in asking Klopp for advice, their professional relationship will undoubtedly be very different when the German enters his new role in January.
Lijnders under pressure at Salzburg
However, it may well be hit-and-miss as to whether Lijnders lasts until Christmas at Salzburg.
Whilst young and inexperienced, his team had high ambitions to perform well in this year's new-look Champions League.
But after two games, they sit in 34th with two losses - 3-0 away at Sparta Praha and 4-0 at home to Brest.
As the games come thick and fast, with their remaining fixtures only proving harder and harder, the spotlight will firmly on Lijnders to deliver some statement results or he could quickly see himself out of a job.
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