Jurgen Klopp's urging Pep Lijnders to take on Pep Guardiola's assistant job at Manchester City has been revealed, with the 43-year-old confirming that he was persuaded by his former manager after Lijnders turned down a potential offer from Salzburg.
Lijnders initially left Liverpool in 2023 when Klopp departed as manager and later took over as manager of Red Bull Salzburg. He had also managed NEC Nijmegen before joining the Reds, but failed to secure promotion with the Dutch side.
After the departure of Zeljko Buvac at Anfield, Lijnders returned to work alongside Klopp again in 2019 and spent six years as his assistant. The duo went on to win several major trophies together, including the Premier League and Champions League.
However, when German Klopp left Liverpool last summer, Lijnders became Pep Guardiola's assistant manager at Manchester City after being recommended for the role by his former boss. In an interview with BBC Sport, Lijnders recalled the conversation in which Klopp urged him to take up the opportunity:
'When I spoke with Jurgen he was so clear - if you don't do it, I will take the assistant job,' a joking Lijnders said. The Dutchman expressed his pride at coming to a club of such magnitude and described Guardiola as 'brilliant', saying that he has a passion and game-understanding from a different planet.
Lijnders admitted that the former Liverpool manager's drive and pursuit of excellence are inspiring, citing examples like Tiger Woods. Lijnders expressed his admiration for Guardiola's professionalism and ambition, saying:
"The best ones are like that - Tiger Woods, all these guys. They push themselves to limits," he said.
Despite having left Anfield after six successful years with Klopp at the helm, Lijnders has vowed to be professional in their upcoming match against City next weekend but made it clear that his mindset is to win and beat them.
Lijnders initially left Liverpool in 2023 when Klopp departed as manager and later took over as manager of Red Bull Salzburg. He had also managed NEC Nijmegen before joining the Reds, but failed to secure promotion with the Dutch side.
After the departure of Zeljko Buvac at Anfield, Lijnders returned to work alongside Klopp again in 2019 and spent six years as his assistant. The duo went on to win several major trophies together, including the Premier League and Champions League.
However, when German Klopp left Liverpool last summer, Lijnders became Pep Guardiola's assistant manager at Manchester City after being recommended for the role by his former boss. In an interview with BBC Sport, Lijnders recalled the conversation in which Klopp urged him to take up the opportunity:
'When I spoke with Jurgen he was so clear - if you don't do it, I will take the assistant job,' a joking Lijnders said. The Dutchman expressed his pride at coming to a club of such magnitude and described Guardiola as 'brilliant', saying that he has a passion and game-understanding from a different planet.
Lijnders admitted that the former Liverpool manager's drive and pursuit of excellence are inspiring, citing examples like Tiger Woods. Lijnders expressed his admiration for Guardiola's professionalism and ambition, saying:
"The best ones are like that - Tiger Woods, all these guys. They push themselves to limits," he said.
Despite having left Anfield after six successful years with Klopp at the helm, Lijnders has vowed to be professional in their upcoming match against City next weekend but made it clear that his mindset is to win and beat them.
anyway, so like pep guardiola is literally the GOAT right now 
and pepe's already proven himself to be a top notch assistant manager 
he's got that fire in his belly, just like klopp 
i love how he's been able to stay motivated even after leaving anfield 
and yeah, tiger woods is the ultimate example of dedication 
anyone can relate to that level of focus 
so here's to a great assistant manager in pep guardiola 
. I mean, Jurgen did kinda guilt trip him into it tho 
. I wonder how Klopp would handle beating them next week tho 
. Anyway, back to the news... I wonder if Jürgen Klopp really threatened Pep Lijnders with taking his job if he didn't go for the assistant role at Manchester City 
. Like, is that even possible? Wouldn't there be some kind of contract clause or something? 
Like Pep Guardiola wants some random Dutch guy to take over his job? And Jurgen Klopp is the one who convinced him? It's just weird... 
. Can't they just leave it alone? I swear this assistant manager drama is so extra 
I think Jurgen Klopp was just keeping it real 
. Lijnders deserved that opportunity, he's been an integral part of Liverpool's success under Klopp #TeamLijnders 
! Klopp's drive and passion are inspiring, just like Tiger Woods 
. But now that Lijnders is at Man City, it's all about winning and beating Liverpool next weekend 
️! Bring it on, I say! 
, Klopp's gonna have to step up his game if he wants to beat them next weekend 
, i mean who can resist jurgens willpower? 
anyways, its awesome that he's still got that fire in him after leaving liverpool, reminds me of tiger woods & other top athletes who never give up on their goals. maybe pep guardiola's assistant role is just what linders needed to level up his career 
Pep's assistant job at Man City? I mean, I'm sure Lijnders wanted the opportunity so badly he was basically begging for it 
. I guess that's one way to get someone to join the team... by making them feel like they owe you 
. Anyway, can't wait to see how this all plays out next weekend - bring it on! 
And it makes sense, given their history together - six years of winning with Klopp and the Reds. But I'm also curious, what made Lijders take the bait? Was it just the lure of working under Pep or is something else going on here? 
