Pepijn Lijnders is impressed with the way Arne Slot has started as Liverpool manager. The former assistant of Slot's predecessor, Jürgen Klopp, continues to follow his former employer, even as the coach of Red Bull Salzburg.
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Looking at how things are going with Arne, and the work he has done so far, it gives me a great sense of satisfaction, said Lijnders.
"It's wonderful to see how the club is doing at the moment, and that the team is playing at such a high level. Some players are thriving and making significant progress. Liverpool is a healthy club. Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley would be proud."
Friendship
Pepijn Lijnders, now the head coach of Red Bull Salzburg, who are set to play Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Wednesday night, still maintains regular contact with Jürgen Klopp. Klopp, who will take up his new role as Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull in January 2025, remains close with Lijnders. "We call and text each other often. In most of the photos I receive, Jürgen is sweating it out playing padel or working out in the gym. He has more time for his family now, and he's got a nice tan, which is a good sign. We still share a close bond. Our relationship goes deeper than football."
Lijnders' connection with Klopp is built on more than just their time coaching together at Liverpool. Their friendship continues even after they both chose to leave the club at the end of the 2023-24 season. Lijnders, who played a crucial role in Liverpool’s success under Klopp, now finds joy in seeing how Slot has taken over the reins at Anfield. His admiration for the progress of the team reflects a deep connection with the club’s legacy and its ability to maintain success at the highest level.
Reflecting on his departure from Liverpool, Lijnders emphasized the importance of leaving on good terms and with a clear succession plan. "There’s been a lot said about our departure from Liverpool, but the main thing I want to stress is that we wanted to leave the club in the right way. That’s why we made our decision known early on, giving the club enough time to find the right successors. Coaching a club like Liverpool is never easy, but we wanted to ensure we left it in the best possible state."
His comments also highlight the ongoing evolution of Liverpool under Slot's leadership. Slot has managed to maintain the high standards set by Klopp and his staff, guiding the team through challenging fixtures while keeping them competitive at the top level. Lijnders, watching from Salzburg, takes pride in this, as his legacy continues to be intertwined with the club's current successes.
Meanwhile, Klopp is preparing for his next chapter as he steps into a global role within the Red Bull organization. His upcoming position as Head of Global Soccer will see him overseeing football operations across multiple clubs in the Red Bull network. But despite the shift in responsibilities, his relationship with Lijnders remains strong. Their friendship, built over years of collaboration, extends far beyond the boundaries of professional football.
For Lijnders, seeing Klopp enjoying life post-Liverpool, while maintaining their close relationship, adds a personal dimension to his own coaching journey. With Red Bull Salzburg currently competing in the Champions League, Lijnders continues to build his own reputation as a manager, all the while keeping a close eye on developments at Liverpool and sharing in Klopp's success off the pitch.
