Pep Lijnders opens up on ‘best hug I ever had’ from Liverpool man after FA Cup final win – not Jurgen Klopp | OneFootball

The ecstasy that enveloped the Liverpool squad after Kostas Tsimikas’ penalty secured the Reds their second piece of silverware in the 2021/22 campaign is perhaps best encapsulated by one extract from Pep Lijnders’ upcoming book ‘Intensity: Inside Liverpool FC – Our Identity’.

The Dutchman shared his experience after the spot-kick and mentioned a special embrace with veteran midfielder James Milner.

“When I ran to Ali [Becker] I waved my arms like a bird, I have absolutely no idea why,” the coach told liverpoolfc.com.

“As you guys can see, there are so many things I could speak about, but what will really stay with me happened towards the end of the celebrations when I saw Milner.

“It was the best hug I ever had. I respect him so much, he is so special.

“Thank you for leading the team with commitment and example; I will be forever grateful that I met you as a player. You gave my understanding of professionalism a new dimension.”

The Englishman’s contract was extended once more by a year with Jurgen Klopp’s outfit keen on capitalising on the 36-year-old’s vast experience and leadership skills.

READ MORE: Sky Sports journalist drops Liverpool transfer update amid talk of further incomings

The decision to keep the former Leeds United and Manchester City star at the club will be one that will no doubt have confused many a rival supporter.

An inside look into the workings of the club, however, will demonstrate the clear importance of the ex-England international to our German tactician’s setup from setting standards alongside Jordan Henderson to providing a stellar example for our up and coming talents.

With such a skillset, we’d be supremely surprised to see the club let Milner depart without attempting to direct him on the coaching pathway under the guidance of Klopp and Co.

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