Pep Lijnders comments on possibility of succeeding Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool

Pep Lijnders has brushed off suggestions that he could have succeeded Jurgen Klopp at Anfield this summer.

Jurgen Klopp shocked Liverpool supporters across the globe after announcing his decision to leave the Reds at the end of the current campaign, with the club now searching for his heir.

Xabi Alonso is the prime candidate to take over on Merseyside, although Bayern Munich's significant interest in the Spaniard may force Liverpool to look in a different direction.

The likes of Ruben Amorim, Roberto De Zerbi and even Thomas Tuchel have been touted as potential successors, but there were initial suggestions that Liverpool should have considered Lijnders for the new manager position.

The Dutch assistant manager swiftly announced his decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the campaign following Klopp's exit, with the 41-year-old known to be looking for a career in management.

Asked about whether he considered putting his name in the mix to replace Klopp in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Carabao Cup final, Lijnders stated: "No, I was really clear to be honest.

"When we had to talk already a long time ago, for me it was clear, it made it easier for me, when he [Klopp] said this will be it. We knew in the summer already that we are going towards the end of this project.

"I'm talking too much about me...we play in 48 hours the final and we talk about Jurgen leaving. But, I understand.

"I think as well I give the interview where a lot of answers are in, to be honest. So we spoke, last year I got offers [from other clubs], my heart always said yes, my loyalty and my friendship and my respect to Mike [Gordon] and Jurgen said no.

"On the moment we spoke and he said 'okay, I'm thinking about this', I said that's clear I will go and manage because we will end this project together.

"The club can find a new coach with new elements, but I'm excited to manage. I'm excited to go and find a new club, a club who really wants [me].

"But until the final [game] of the season, I'm focused on Liverpool, I'm not even knowing what's happening. That's why we have agents, no?"

Lijnders has made it abundantly clear that he wants to pursue a career in first-team management, his only period in charge of a senior side coming back in the Netherlands with NEC Nijmegen in 2018.

However, Liverpool are likely to want someone with fresh ideas and a new approach to reinvigorate the squad after the disappointment of Klopp's departure.