Pep Lijnders reveals how close he was to succeeding Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool

Former Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders has revealed he was really considered to replace Jurgen Klopp at the Premier League club.

Jurgen Klopp ended his nine years reign at Liverpool this season with Lijnders enjoying two stints as his assistant at Anfield.

Lijnders left in 2018 to manage Dutch club NEC but returned to continue his role as Jurgen Klopp’s assistant. With his vast experience under Klopp, he was viewed as his natural successor.

Though Liverpool opted to sign Arne Slot as Klopp’s replacement, Lijnders who has become RB Salzburg‘s new head coach has revealed how close he was to becoming the Reds manager.

Lijnders told the Athletic : “Jurgen asked me about it a few times in recent years.

“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 10 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. But I never knew 100 per cent what my response would be if Mike Gordon called me. You say ‘no, no, no’ but then…”

Lijnders is looking forward to a fresh start in Austria and he will be eager to make history with RB Salzburg.