Many fans have been wondering why Liverpool hasn’t considered their assistant Pep Lijnders to replace Jurgen Klopp. There are two main reasons for this. Lijnders has been working alongside Klopp since 2015, and has always expressed his desire to follow his own path as a manager, rather than stepping into Klopp’s shoes. After Klopp decided to leave, Lijnders made the decision to pursue a managerial role. Despite his capabilities and contributions to Liverpool’s success under Klopp, the club is looking for a more experienced manager to take over.
Arne Slot appears to be the leading candidate to replace Klopp, and the fact that Lijnders was not in serious consideration is largely due to his own wishes to pursue a managerial role. Lijnders has a strong relationship with the squad and has been instrumental in Liverpool’s success under Klopp. He is highly regarded within the club, and was trusted by Klopp to revitalize the squad following a fourth-placed finish in 2021. However, in the search for Klopp’s successor, Liverpool is seeking a more experienced manager with previous success as a No 1, which Lijnders lacks at this point in his career.
Despite his talent and potential, Lijnders is looking to gain more experience as a manager before potentially returning to Liverpool in the future. He is of interest to clubs like Ajax, and there may be a vacancy at Feyenoord if Liverpool lands Slot as expected. Liverpool’s search for a new manager has focused on younger, enthusiastic coaches with a similar level of managerial experience as Lijnders. While Liverpool admires Lijnders and believes he will be successful as a manager, they are looking for a more experienced candidate to take over from Klopp.
Lijnders previously had a short spell as a manager in his homeland, which has contributed to his desire to pursue a full-time managerial role. Klopp has praised Lijnders for his influence on the team and his knowledge of the game. Lijnders’ decision to part ways with Liverpool and forge his own path is a reflection of his ambition and determination to succeed as a manager. While Liverpool may not have chosen Lijnders as Klopp’s successor, there is a mutual respect between the club and the assistant coach, with the possibility of a return in the future.
Slot is expected to be Klopp’s successor, and he brings a level of experience and success as a manager that Liverpool is looking for. Lijnders’ decision to pursue his own managerial career aligns with his ambitions and aspirations. Liverpool is supportive of Lijnders’ journey as he seeks to make his mark elsewhere before potentially returning to Anfield one day. The club acknowledges Lijnders’ talents and contributions, while also recognizing the need for a more experienced manager to lead the team through the next chapter. Klopp’s departure marks the end of an era, but also opens up new opportunities for both Lijnders and Liverpool.
