Pepijn Lijnders leaves Anfield with Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season to take over as the new Red Bull Salzburg manager, his first since taking charge at the NEC and stepping up from assistant coach to a new career.
Liverpool have called on Dutch-born manager Arne Slot to replace the German in charge. The 45-year-old coach, who also led Feyenoord to the domestic league title and has a reputation for using youngsters, will aim to build a team that can compete for the Premier League title, continuing the achievements of his too-great predecessor.
Lijnders and Slot, who were both born in the Netherlands, apparently discussed coaching nine years ago. The former Liverpool assistant coach revealed his close interaction with the new manager, but also spoke about the similarities with Feyenoord.
“He came to my house in Holland about nine years ago. He came to speak to me about football,”
“He drove for a long time to see me and he had a thousand questions. I tried to answer them all.”
“Since then, we’ve stayed in close contact. He’s an unbelievable coach, who knows exactly what he wants and has the experience to be at a club like Liverpool.”
“There are similarities between Feyenoord and Liverpool. Their fans are so passionate. They also sing You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
Athletic
The difference in level between him and Eredivisie is obvious, and he lacks experience in dealing with so-called big names.
Although his coaching career at world-class clubs is less extensive, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has transformed himself from even less experience into one of the best managers in the world today.
A bright character in Holland and a favourite with supporters, will Slott be able to build a long-term regime at Anfield and join the ranks of the greats…?