Pep Lijnders Reacts to Salzburg Appointment With Liverpool Exit Closer | OneFootball

Pep Lijnders Takes Charge at Red Bull Salzburg

In a significant shift in European football, Pep Lijnders, previously the assistant coach at Liverpool, has officially been named the new manager of Austrian powerhouse Red Bull Salzburg.

From Anfield to Austria

Lijnders has enjoyed a notable coaching journey, with two impactful stints at Liverpool. His initial role at Anfield came under Brendan Rodgers, and he returned in 2018 to work alongside Jurgen Klopp. During this period, Lijnders was instrumental in Liverpool’s success, contributing to their Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League victories. His coaching prowess has not only been recognized at Liverpool but has now paved the way for his upcoming role in Austria.

As the 2024/25 season approaches, Lijnders will take the helm at Red Bull Salzburg, a club known for its strong focus on developing young talent. His move to Salzburg marks a new chapter in his career, one that will leverage his extensive experience in nurturing football excellence.

Lijnders’ Vision for Salzburg

Upon his appointment, Lijnders expressed his enthusiasm and strategic vision for his new club. “I am very proud to become the new head coach of FC Red Bull Salzburg. This is a real privilege for me. After PSV Eindhoven, FC Porto, and Liverpool FC, I am now moving to another exceptional club with a really good structure and a particular focus on youth development,” he stated.

Lijnders is committed to fostering an attacking style of play at Salzburg, emphasizing passion and a relentless drive for success. “I want to develop a mentality with the team that places a lot of emphasis on attacking style of play and where passion and hunger for success are the basis of everything,” he added.

Building a Team in Salzburg

Joining him in this new endeavour will be Vitor Matos, who previously served as Liverpool’s Elite Development Coach. Together, they aim to bolster Salzburg’s standing in the football world, enhancing the club’s growth and adapting to the dynamic nature of the sport.

Lijnders’ family connections to the city also played a pivotal role in his decision. “My family has visited the city before and was overwhelmed by its beauty and the friendliness of the people. That was the last and important step for me in choosing FC Red Bull Salzburg,” he shared.

Looking Ahead

As Lijnders steps into his new role, the football community watches with anticipation. His track record at Liverpool has set high expectations for his tenure at Red Bull Salzburg. With his strategic insights and commitment to youth development, Lijnders is poised to make a significant impact in the Austrian Bundesliga.

This transition from Liverpool to Red Bull Salzburg is not just a career move for Lijnders but a testament to his evolving legacy in European football. As he embarks on this new challenge, his journey will undoubtedly be one to watch in the coming seasons.