Hendrick: ‘Lijnders must win Austrian Bundesliga at RB Salzburg or he’ll be sacked’ | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Pepijn Lijnders Steps into a New Role at RB Salzburg

Liverpool FC and its fervent followers are on the precipice of a significant shift as Pepijn Lijnders, the assistant manager, is poised to take over as head coach at Red Bull Salzburg. This pivotal transition was explored in a recent episode of the Daily Red podcast on Anfield Index, featuring insights from Dave Hendrick. Here’s what we gleaned about Lijnders’ upcoming venture.

Unveiling a Promising Future

Lijnders’ appointment at RB Salzburg marks a significant step in his coaching career. As Hendrick pointed out, “It’s one of the better jobs for a young manager to get because you’re almost guaranteed a level of success.” Lijnders is stepping into a club with a history of dominance in Austrian football, boasting 14 league titles since 2006 and nine Austrian cups.

Season of Discontent at Salzburg

Despite the rich history of success at Salzburg, Lijnders is inheriting a team in a bit of turmoil. The club experienced a “very disappointing season,” as described by Hendrick. They are contending for the league title on the final day, but this season’s struggles included a managerial change and a defeat in the semi-final of the Austrian Cup.

High Expectations and Pressure

The expectations at RB Salzburg are sky-high. As Hendrick puts it, “If [Lijnders] doesn’t win it, he probably gets sacked.” The club’s philosophy of winning is clear, and anything less than a championship is seen as unacceptable. Lijnders will need to navigate these pressures while managing a talented roster that is expected to see some turnover in the off-season.

Talent and Recruitment

Lijnders will have a robust squad at his disposal, including notable players like Alexa Turic and Nicholas Capaldo. The recruitment and scouting system at Salzburg is part of the overarching Red Bull strategy, renowned for its effectiveness. Hendrick noted, “Their scouting system as part of the overall Red Bull scouting system is one of the best in the league.”

New Era for Lijnders

As Lijnders prepares to take the helm at RB Salzburg, the expectations are clear: win or face swift consequences. With a strong team and an excellent scouting network, his prospects are promising, but the pressure will be immense from the get-go.

The transition from Liverpool’s assistant to head coach of RB Salzburg is not just a career move for Pepijn Lijnders; it’s a test of his ability to translate his experiences from the Premier League to success in the Austrian Bundesliga. Fans of Liverpool and Salzburg alike will be watching closely to see if he can maintain the legacy of success at his new club.