claimed Lijnders, speaking about what he informed two influential Liverpool officials before Arne Slot was appointed.
Before Arne Slot was recently named head coach of Liverpool, Pep Lijnders told two important people there what was on his mind. After serving as Jurgen Klopp’s reliable assistant for several years, the 41-year-old is leaving Anfield to take over Red Bull Salzburg, and he has nothing but respect for the German’s replacement in the home dugout in League 4.
In an interview with The Athletic, Lijnders revealed that he discussed with his superiors, including FSG president Mike Gordon, the qualities needed in Liverpool’s next coach when their long-serving manager announced his departure at the end of the 2023/24 season. Lijnders described Slot as a coach closely aligned with Liverpool’s style over the years, emphasizing possession, pressing, and counter-pressing. He stressed the importance of appointing a young coach who could grow with the team, stating that Slot has the potential for success at Liverpool.
FSG’s CEO of Football, Michael Edwards, and new sporting director, Richard Hughes, were heavily involved in Slot’s appointment, known for their data-driven decision-making. However, Lijnders’ input, as a trusted figure within the club, may have also influenced the decision. Slot, aged 45, shares tactical similarities and off-field demeanor with Klopp, albeit being slightly younger than Klopp was when he took over Liverpool in 2015.
While Slot faces the daunting task of following in Klopp’s footsteps, he starts from a stronger position compared to his predecessor over eight-and-a-half years ago. Lijnders’ advice to Gordon and Klopp might have played a role in Slot’s appointment, despite Lijnders no longer being at Liverpool. The hope is that Slot lives up to Lijnders’ endorsement.