Pep Lijnders has revealed that former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp encouraged him to take the job as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City.
The 43-year-old Dutch coach joined City last summer, replacing Juanma Lillo, after six successful years as Klopp’s assistant at Liverpool and a short stint as Red Bull Salzburg boss. Despite the fierce rivalry between Liverpool and City, Klopp supported Lijnders’ move. “When I spoke with Jurgen he was so clear – ‘if you don’t do it, I will take the assistant job,’” Lijnders joked.
Lijnders began at Liverpool in 2014 as a development coach under Brendan Rodgers, became Klopp’s assistant in 2019, and helped the club win major trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League.
Lijnders said Guardiola’s offer was too good to refuse. “Pep’s brilliant, of course. He has a passion and game understanding from a different planet,” he said. City are currently second in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Arsenal, and face Tottenham this Sunday. Next weekend, Lijnders returns to Anfield for City’s match against Liverpool, where he promises to remain professional but aims to win.
He also praised Guardiola’s approach: “He constantly pushes himself and everyone around him. His biggest strength is the passion he has for his team and the family feeling he creates at the club.”
