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Tag: Pep Lijnders

  • Liverpool to End Bajcetic’s Loan Following Sacking of Former Assistant Manager

    Liverpool to End Bajcetic’s Loan Following Sacking of Former Assistant Manager

    Stefan Bajcetic

    Liverpool are preparing to recall Stefan Bajcetic from his loan spell at Red Bull Salzburg.

    This decision follows the sacking of former Reds assistant manager Pep Lijnders by the Austrian club last month.

    Bajcetic’s loan is set to be cut short

    Lijnders, who was appointed in the summer, left the club in December after just five months in charge.

    During his brief tenure, Lijnders signed Bajcetic on a season-long loan and also secured a permanent move for Liverpool youngster Bobby Clark.

    However, Bajcetic is now reportedly on the verge of following Lijnders out the door.

    According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are set to end the 20-year-old’s loan spell.

    Bajcetic may then be loaned out again for the remainder of the season.

    The report further mentions that Real Betis are in advanced discussions regarding a potential move, with the deal progressing but not yet finalized.

    Stefan Bajcetic
    Lijnders brought Bajcetic in on loan during the summer before his exit.

    Since joining Salzburg, Bajcetic has made 18 appearances across all competitions for the club.

    Previously, he made 22 first-team appearances for Liverpool, scoring once.

    The Spanish under-21 international joined Liverpool from Celta Vigo in 2020.

    Two years later, Klopp handed Bajcetic his Premier League debut at the age of 17.

    Now, Bajcetic is set to return to Spain, where he is expected to join Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis this month.

    Betis are currently ninth in La Liga after winning six of their 18 league matches. Additionally, they remain in the Europa Conference League and will face Gent in a knockout play-off tie in February.

    More news……

    Michael Owen identifies the sole team capable of preventing Liverpool from winning the title

    Liverpool are heavy favourites to win the Premier League this season,

    Liverpool are heavy favourites to win the Premier League this season, and former Reds star Michael Owen has identified the “only danger” to their title hopes.

    Owen believes Arsenal pose the “only danger” to Liverpool’s challenge for the Premier League title.

    Currently, Liverpool lead the table by seven points, having only lost once this season under their new manager, Arne Slot. Arsenal are in fourth place but could move up to second if they defeat Ipswich at the Emirates tonight.

    This would bring them to within six points of Liverpool, who still have a game in hand. Owen, however, sees them as the only team with a realistic chance to threaten Liverpool’s lead. He does acknowledge, though, that Liverpool are “streaking clear” of the competition and says he would be “astonished” if they failed to win the league.

    “They’re [Liverpool] absolutely loving it aren’t they, you can only imagine that dressing room,” Owen said to Premier League Productions after Liverpool’s 3-1 comeback victory over Leicester on Boxing Day.

    “People will say, they [Liverpool] will come out and say, ‘we don’t look at other teams, we just concentrate on ourselves,’ and they’re right to do that. They are concentrating on themselves, and they are motoring along really well.

    “But everyone around them is falling away at the same time—Chelsea lost today, Manchester City dropped points again, and they’re probably out of it now. When I look at the league table, I’d be astonished if Liverpool don’t go on to win it now.

    “I think their only danger could be Arsenal. I don’t fancy Chelsea, I think they are too young, too inexperienced. Forest are having a great season but they can’t sustain that. Newcastle are too far behind, even though they are coming into good form at the moment. Bournemouth can’t challenge either.

    “For me, it’s Arsenal and Arsenal only in terms of danger to them [Liverpool]. But I think they’re only a danger to themselves, the way they are playing, unless they implode themselves, unless they have a Manchester City moment, it looks like they’re streaking clear.”

  • Jurgen Klopp’s agent responds sternly to ex-Liverpool boss’s ‘new job’

    Jurgen Klopp’s agent responds sternly to ex-Liverpool boss’s ‘new job’

    Jurgen Klopp's agent responds sternly to ex-Liverpool boss's 'new job'

    Jurgen Klopp’s agent, Marc Kosicke, has labelled suggestions that the former Liverpool manager is ready to become Red Bull’s new head of global football “total nonsense”

    Jurgen Klopp’s agent, Marc Kosicke, has dismissed “nonsense” suggestions that the former Liverpool manager is about to return to the sport to become Red Bull’s new head of global football.

    Klopp stepped down as Liverpool manager at the end of last season, saying he would take a year off from football before deciding on his next move. “If you ask me, ‘Will you ever work as a manager again?’, I would say now no, but I don’t know obviously how that will feel because I never had the situation,” he told the club’s reporters.

    “I am certain that I will never manage any club in England other than Liverpool. That is not possible. My affection for this club, as well as my admiration for its members, is immeasurable. I could not. I couldn’t even think about it.

    “There is no chance. I will probably find something else to do. But I will not manage a club or a country for at least a year; it is impossible, and I do not want to.

    “That is all.” According to sources from Germany, Klopp is in talks to become Red Bull’s global football manager. The post has remained empty since Oliver Mintzlaff was elevated to head all of Red Bull’s athletic operations in 2022.

    When asked by Sky Germany about the rumours, Kosicke rushed to deny them.”Total nonsense,” Kosicke insisted. “There’s nothing to it.”

    Since leaving Liverpool, Klopp has been seen attending the Champions League final at Wembley Stadium, where his former club Borussia Dortmund was defeated 2-0 by Real Madrid. He also started his own Instagram account, which has nearly 4 million followers.

    Jurgen Klopp's agent responds sternly to ex-Liverpool boss's 'new job'

    And Pep Lijnders, Klopp’s right-hand man at Liverpool, has warned that the German may never return to football. “In the life we lead as coaches, and I’ve lived it now for 22 years, nothing else counts apart from the next game,” Lijnders stated to The Athletic.

    “You might have an hour of joy before you begin thinking about the next game. Doing it for so many years at Jurgen’s level, you reach a point where you want to wake up in the morning and think, “What time shall I go to the bakery?” Should I take my bike or the car? What time should I book that padel court for?

    “Simple things.”I’m not sure if he will succeed again, but he will do a lot of good for the globe. There will be a lot of interest in him, and I know I’ll be receiving a lot of images from his vacation.”

  • Pep Lijnders discusses how near he was to taking over as Liverpool manager from Jurgen Klopp.

    Pep Lijnders discusses how near he was to taking over as Liverpool manager from Jurgen Klopp.

    When the German revealed he was leaving Liverpool, Pep Lijnders, Jurgen Klopp's longstanding assistant, was seen as a possible

    When the German revealed he was leaving Liverpool, Pep Lijnders, Jurgen Klopp’s longstanding assistant, was seen as a possible replacement. However, he has since joined RB Salzburg.

    According to Pep Lijnders, he was “really considered” to take over as manager of Liverpool in place of Jurgen Klopp.

    After leaving briefly in 2018 to manage the Dutch club NEC, Lijnders has had two stints as Klopp’s assistant at Anfield. When it was reported in January that the Liverpool manager would be stepping down this summer, some saw Lijnders as the obvious choice to succeed him.

    But since then, RB Salzburg’s new head coach is Lijnders, and Feyenoord manager Arne Slot has taken over. Lijnders said to the Athletic when asked if he had considered running for Klopp’s job: “Jurgen asked me about it a few times in recent years.”

    “I answered ‘no’ to Jurgen’s query twice this season, as well as the season before. Firstly, I genuinely believed that this was ‘we’ doing the project. I really believed that we ought to wrap up this project together, and Jurgen spearheaded it.

    When the German revealed he was leaving Liverpool, Pep Lijnders, Jurgen Klopp's longstanding assistant, was seen as a possible

    “Secondly, I have almost ten years of experience at Liverpool. I was eager to meet new people and work with my own team of gamers. I threw my all into this playing group. If I stayed here, I believe the team would carry on in the same manner.

    “I think the team could use some fresh energy as well. However, I was never entirely certain of how I would react if Mike Gordon called. “No, no, no,” you say, but then…

    Soon after it became known that Klopp would be stepping down, Gordon spoke with Lijnders, but in the end, it was determined that it would be better for both sides if they took a different course.

    “Mike said, ‘Pep, we really considered you, but I think it’s fair for you that we don’t put you after Jurgen’,” he went on. “Mike is a decent man. He was also aware.

    My ambition was evident. For the future, that was ideal.” Lijnders continues, “I’m not going to Salzburg for one or two years. I’m looking forward to a fresh start in Austria.” I’m really eager to go there and start construction.”

    More news…..

    Ahead of team changes Arne Slot reveals a significant Liverpool summer move

    Arne Slot, the new manager of Liverpool, has made recommendations regarding Feyenoord in advance of his impending departure.

    Arne Slot, the new manager of Liverpool, has made recommendations regarding Feyenoord in advance of his impending departure.

    As he gets ready to start moulding the Liverpool team, Arne Slot has stated that he will not be looking to raid Feyenoord for players this summer.

    Official confirmation of Slot’s hiring as Reds boss is anticipated later this month. Slot will follow departed manager Jurgen Klopp.

    On Sunday, both will lead their current clubs for the last time. Liverpool will host Wolves in the Premier League, while Feyenoord will host Excelsior in the Eredivisie.

    Given his track record with the Dutch team—he won the Dutch Cup this season, claimed the domestic championship the previous season, and advanced to the Europa Conference League final—Slot emerged as the front-runner to succeed Klopp.

    David HanckoArne Slot, the new manager of Liverpool, has made recommendations regarding Feyenoord in advance of his impending departure.

    Many of the 45-year-old’s current Feyenoord teammates, such as midfielder Mats Wieffer, defender Lutsharel Geerteruida, who recently attended the Reds’ draw at West Ham United, and center-back David Hancko, are already being linked to a summer transfer to Liverpool.

    However, Slot has advised Feyenoord that they would be better off keeping the nucleus of their team, suggesting he won’t be tempted to push to sign many of their players after moving to Anfield.

    “Our goal was and still is to improve the entire team,” he stated to the Dutch publication Algeen Dagblad. “And all of these boys have received the time and support they need to become better.

    “Feyenoord’s primary goal should be to limit the number of players who depart. After that, a lot of players will be able to play for the next six months while keeping their eyes closed.

  • VERIFIED: Pep Lijnders is the next manager of Salzburg, and the Liverpool coach will be following him.

    VERIFIED: Pep Lijnders is the next manager of Salzburg, and the Liverpool coach will be following him.

    VERIFIED: Pep Lijnders is the next manager of Salzburg, and the Liverpool coach will be following him.

    Red Bull Salzburg has officially announced Pepijn Lijnders as their new head coach. Following his departure from Anfield, Klopp’s right-hand man made the decision to go solo.

    Following Klopp’s announcement earlier this year, Liverpool’s assistant manager was reported to be departing the club, therefore ruling himself out of taking over at Anfield.

    Reports about Salzburg’s interest in Lijnders surfaced on Tuesday, but they soon gained momentum and a statement was made, confirming the Dutchman’s appointment for the 2024–2025 campaign.

    His assistant coach in Austria will be Vitor Matos, the top development coach currently employed by Liverpool.

    Lijnders expressed his pride at taking over as FC Red Bull Salzburg’s new head coach when the news was announced.

     

    For me, this is a true privilege. After PSV Eindhoven, FC Porto, and Liverpool FC, I’m heading to yet another elite team with an excellent organisation and a strong emphasis on developing young players.

    “I want the team to adopt a mindset where attacking play is highly valued and where everything is driven by a desire for success and passion.

    VERIFIED: Pep Lijnders is the next manager of Salzburg, and the Liverpool coach will be following him.

    In an ever-evolving football landscape, my assistant coach Vitor Matos and I will work tirelessly to promote the club’s continued growth.

    When my family previously visited the city, they were astounded by both its natural beauty and the warmth of its residents. That was the final and crucial stage in my decision to join FC Red Bull Salzburg.

    The only managerial experience Lijnders had prior was a brief stint at NEC Nijmegen. However, he returned to Liverpool as assistant manager in the 2018–19 season.

    Gerhard Struber was fired by Salzburg last month, and Onur Cinel of FC Liefering, a sister club, took over in an interim capacity.

    Liverpool winning?

    Although the club and the Red Bull organisation already have a great relationship, Lijnders’ arrival might strengthen it.

    With his connections in Salzburg and Leipzig, Michael Edwards, the new CEO of Football at FSG, may find this newest development to be beneficial in the short- to medium-term.

    Given that Lijnders and Matos are strong proponents of youngsters and are intimately familiar with Liverpool’s academy production process, this may even involve loans to the Austrian side.

    It will be interesting to see for sure!

  • Pundit has been informed of who Liverpool players at ‘want’ to succeed Jürgen Klopp instead of Rúben Amorim.

    Pundit has been informed of who Liverpool players at ‘want’ to succeed Jürgen Klopp instead of Rúben Amorim.

    Pundit has been informed of who Liverpool players at 'want' to succeed Jürgen Klopp instead of Rúben Amorim.

    After Jürgen Klopp, the Liverpool players are said to have a choice for their future manager. It may be the overwhelming favourite right now, but it’s not Rúben Amorim.

    It goes without saying that Liverpool will want to move quickly to name a new manager. Following a crushing Europa League first-leg loss, it’s becoming more and more likely that Jürgen Klopp will only have eight games remaining in his managerial role, therefore speculation about his successor is beginning to grow.

    Of course, this season still has a lot to play for, not the least of which being the Premier League championship. It would be the perfect way to send Klopp out to the public to win that, making the campaign a huge success regardless of results in other tournaments. The manager will continue to have faith in his ability to win the match against Atalanta in the meantime.

    However, Michael Edwards, the head of football at FSG, will undoubtedly be searching in the background despite everything else going on. Liverpool does not want to be caught off guard when Klopp does eventually leave, but they also do not want to miss out on these final weeks of his leadership.

    In light of Xabi Alonso’s choice to remain in his current position, Rúben Amorim has become the apparent favourite. Although the Sporting manager maintains he has not made a deal with Liverpool or any other team, he is still the front-runner to take over at Anfield.

    But he’s not the only choice. Furthermore, analyst Alan Brazil feels that the Liverpool team does not support him.

    Pundit has been informed of who Liverpool players at 'want' to succeed Jürgen Klopp instead of Rúben Amorim.

    During his appearance on the TalkSPORT Breakfast Show, Brazil reiterated a previous statement. According to him, the players desire Pep Lijnders, Klopp’s assistant, to take over as manager.

    He responded, “I’ll stick by Klopp’s understudy, Pep,” when questioned about the upcoming Liverpool manager. “That’s who I am told the players want.”

    The news of Lijnders’ leaving was released concurrently with Klopp’s. When Klopp called it a day, he always intended to leave Liverpool, he revealed to the team website:

    “I’ve always stated that I will work with Jürgen until the point at which I can no longer help anyone else; at that point, I will go and handle things. That has always been the situation. So when we talked, it was obvious to me: “Okay, then I go manage, and we finish this project that we started together.”

    Of course, Lijnders would have to make a choice if Klopp’s job was up for grabs. However, the announcement made in January seemed to intentionally draw a line under that possibility almost immediately.

    According to Liverpool.com, player opinions are clearly significant. However, the statistics will guide Edwards and the newly appointed sporting director Richard Hughes in their hunt for Klopp’s successor.

    There isn’t much to evaluate regarding Lijnders. rating an assistant is arguably harder than rating a manager, and his one brief solo tenure in the Netherlands did not go well. Only a few months later, he was back in Liverpool.

    However, Mikel Arteta clearly demonstrates the advantages of taking a chance like this. Lijnders, who would continue Liverpool’s long-standing “boot room” tradition, would also be the candidate for continuity. Yet, despite what Alan Brazil has been informed, it would require a dramatic reversal of course to name him today.

  • “He’s going to be leaving.” Favourite Liverpool supporter departing the team with Jurgen Klopp

    “He’s going to be leaving.” Favourite Liverpool supporter departing the team with Jurgen Klopp

    The Liverpool supporters were shocked when Jurgen Klopp declared his intention to quit the team at the end of the season.

    Both on and off the pitch, Liverpool will undergo a lot of changes this summer.

    The Liverpool supporters were shocked when Jurgen Klopp declared his intention to quit the team at the end of the season.

    The 56-year-old manager made the decision to leave the Merseyside club, citing that he is “running out of energy.”

    Liverpool will lose yet another significant player.

    Assistant manager Pep Lijnders is another important Reds player who is departing the team, in addition to manager Klopp.

    Football writer Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the 41-year-old is definitely leaving Anfield, providing an update on the connections between Lijnders and Ajax.

    According to Romano, who spoke to GiveMeSport, “Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders has emerged as one of the candidates to be the new Ajax manager for next season.”

    “Lijnders is being considered by the club, although a decision has not yet been made. He will undoubtedly depart Liverpool with Jurgen Klopp; he won’t be sticking around once this season ends.

    The club holds Klopp’s number two in high regard for his efforts, and the German manager recognises Pep’s input.

    Romano has denied reports in the media that the assistant manager is well-liked by the players and that they would like to see him succeed Klopp.

    An experienced manager is needed at Liverpool.

    The Dutch manager may need some time to get experience at another club before accepting the position at the Premier League team, thus it’s possible that the Anfield job is too early for him.

    For the time being, Lijnders appears to be a wonderful fit for Ajax, one of the biggest clubs in the Netherlands that is in need of renovation.

    John van t Schip, the interim manager who was hired in October, has the Dutch squad in a transitional phase as they trail leaders PSV by 31 points at the moment.

    More news……

    Liverpool fans can rejoice because a vital player will be back in the starting lineup next week.

    Liverpool fans can rejoice because a vital player will be back in the starting lineup next week.

    The good news for Liverpool is that Ibrahima Konate is expected to start for France against Chile on Tuesday night.

    L’Equipe claims that the centre back, who has been sidelined due to injury for the past few weeks, is prepared to play in the friendly.

    The defender was substituted out during Liverpool’s Europa League first-leg match against Sparta Praha. Since then, he has missed a number of important games for the Reds, including their FA Cup loss to Man United last week.

    Prior to their match against Brighton at Anfield on Sunday, Liverpool supporters will be eager to see him return in the starting lineup, but the French player must win against Chile first.

    How significant is Ibrahima Konate to Liverpool?

    Given that the match against Chile is merely a friendly, Liverpool supporters will be hopeful that Konate survives. The centre back, who has played in 32 games for the Merseyside team this season, is an important member of Liverpool’s team.

    It is no coincidence that the Reds have only triumphed in one of the three games in which the 24-year-old defender has missed due to injury. Klopp prefers the 24-year-old to combine with Virgil van Dijk.

    With a few difficult games remaining and the desire to cap off his tenure at Anfield as best he can, the German coach will need everyone healthy for the last stretch.

  • Pep Lijnders, Jurgen Klopp’s right-hand man, is vying for the Ajax position.

    Pep Lijnders, Jurgen Klopp’s right-hand man, is vying for the Ajax position.

    Pep Lijnders, Jurgen Klopp's right-hand man, is vying for the Ajax position. When the Dutch coach departs Liverpool in the summer, he wants to manage once again.

    When the Dutch coach departs Liverpool in the summer, he wants to manage once again.

    As he mulls over his options for after this season, Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders is a candidate for the open Ajax position.

    Lijnders announced he will be leaving Liverpool with Jurgen Klopp in the summer, eliminating any possibility of him taking over as the departing coach.

    John van’t Schip is Ajax’s temporary manager while they search for a new permanent leader. After a challenging season, the Dutch team is getting ready for a transitional phase. Lijnders would be reunited with Jordan Henderson, the former captain of Liverpool, if he was appointed.

    The 41-year-old coach has been open about his desire to advance to management. He managed Dutch second division team NEC for a brief period of time in 2018, however he lost his position as the team was unable to advance through the play-offs.

    Shortly after, Lijnders made his way back to Anfield, starting the German’s trophy-winning era and forging a highly successful alliance with Klopp.

    In fact, some people think the Dutchman should be considered for the position of Klopp’s replacement, carrying on the legacy of Bob Paisley, Bill Shankly’s assistant, who made sure the legend’s values were upheld in the middle of the 1970s. However, Lijnders stated right away that there is no chance of that occurring, even though it is very possible that he would be connected to a future return to Anfield if he performs well as a No. 1 somewhere.

    Liverpool is anxiously awaiting the findings of Andy Robertson’s ankle scan, as he suffered his second injury of the year while playing for Scotland in the international arena.

    Due to a dislocated shoulder he sustained while representing his country last autumn, Robertson was sidelined for the majority of the campaign. He is now hopeful that the ankle injury he sustained against Northern Ireland on Tuesday is just a small setback after gradually returning to full fitness.

    Robertson returned to Merseyside on Wednesday and had a scan.

    More news……

    Fans of Liverpool receive a shocking morning update from Fabrizio Romano.

    Fans of Liverpool receive a shocking morning update from Fabrizio Romano.

    It is now believed that Real Madrid is “monitoring” Trent Alexander-Arnold due to his unresolved Liverpool contract problem.

    The relevant information was posted by Fabrizio Romano on X, formerly Twitter. The fullback’s current contract is scheduled to end in the summer of 2025.

    Although the player’s mental state is still unknown, the Merseysiders are unwilling to part with their vice captain.

     

    This summer, is Trent Alexander-Arnold going to be sold?

    Nothing in football is guaranteed, of course, but we don’t think there’s a possibility in hell that our No. 66 will swap Liverpool red for Madrid white.

    Now that the club has separated the two key positions of sports director (in Richard Hughes) and CEO of football (in Michael Edwards) with FSG, the 25-year-old’s problem should be settled soon Though the latter’s most essential assignment before formally joining the club on June 1 will be obtaining the services of Jurgen Klopp’s replacement.

    Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah, Trent, and others need to have new contracts arranged as the next top priority

  • Xabi Alonso was passed over as the Liverpool players “choose who they want to replace Jurgen Klopp.”

    Xabi Alonso was passed over as the Liverpool players “choose who they want to replace Jurgen Klopp.”

    After almost nine years in charge of the Anfield team, Jurgen Klopp is quitting Liverpool at the end of the current campaign. The German

    After almost nine years in charge of the Anfield team, Jurgen Klopp is quitting Liverpool at the end of the current campaign. The German manager cites tiredness as a motivating reason.

    The players at Liverpool want Pep Lijnders, who is currently ranked second under Jurgen Klopp, to take over as manager instead of current favourite Xabi Alonso.

    The talkSPORT duo Alan Brazil and Dean Saunders assert that they have insider knowledge indicating the Reds team is eager for Klopp’s deputy to assume control in order to minimise any inconvenience.

    When Klopp revealed in January that he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the current campaign, following almost nine years in command of the Anfield club, the football world was shocked.

    The German said that tiredness was a major role in his decision to step down, and he added that he thought Liverpool was in an excellent position for a new manager to take over and make immediate progress.

    Brazil stated on talkSPORT that “I am told the players wouldn’t mind the number two, Pep taking over” in reference to what lies ahead for Liverpool. Saunders went on, “I heard that too. Lijnders, at least, is aware of what is happening there. It’s challenging; to whom do you assign the task? That club is really large.”

    When Lijnders first joined Liverpool in 2014, he collaborated with Brendan Rodgers. When Klopp took over in 2015, he kept him on, but the Dutchman left Liverpool after three seasons to take over NEC in the Netherlands.

    Lijnders spent a year in his own country before coming back to Anfield in 2018 and helping Liverpool win the Premier League and Champions League.

    Beyond this season, Lijnders’ future is uncertain because Bayer Leverkusen manager Alonso is ranked higher than him in the running to succeed Klopp as Liverpool’s manager.

    Additionally, Lijnders has hinted that he will leave Liverpool with Klopp and that he would not desire the head position there. “Nobody will replace Jurgen,” he declared. To be honest, I was clear when we had the conversation a long time ago; it made things easier for me.

    “In the summer, we realised that this endeavour was coming to an end. There’s too much focus on me—we have a 48-hour final game. I believe I have answered questions in interviews because I understand.

    “My heart always says yes to offers, but my loyalty to Jurgen and Mike Gordon says no.” Therefore, it is appropriate that we complete this endeavour together, as we have decided to do.

    After almost nine years in charge of the Anfield team, Jurgen Klopp is quitting Liverpool at the end of the current campaign. The German

    The favourite to succeed Jurgen Klopp is Xabi Alonso.

    “They’ll have a new coach with ideas, and I’m thrilled that I was able to locate the ideal team. However, I will only be thinking about Liverpool until the season’s final, which is why we have agents, right?

    With a game remaining, Alonso, a Reds player from 2004 to 2009, has led his Leverkusen team to the top of the Bundesliga, seven points ahead of Bayern Munich.

    But Bayern, who have announced that Thomas Tuchel will step down, are also taking notice of the Spaniard. They are looking for a new manager at the end of the current campaign.

    When asked about his future and the attention he has received from Bayern Munich and Liverpool, Alonso has been evasive. “I’m currently presuming that [I’ll be the Bayer Leverkusen manager come next season].”

    “I am the coach right now, no doubt about it. I have nothing fresh to say about the future. Let’s see. Although it’s acceptable to have questions, now is not the time to discuss them.”

  • Pep Lijnders, Jurgen Klopp’s assistant at Liverpool, is in negotiations to take over as manager of a storied European team.

    Pep Lijnders, Jurgen Klopp’s assistant at Liverpool, is in negotiations to take over as manager of a storied European team.

    Pep Lijnders, Jurgen Klopp's assistant at Liverpool, is in negotiations to take over as manager of a storied European team.

    TalkSPORT knows that Pep Lijnders, the assistant manager of Liverpool, is in talks to take over as Ajax’s next manager.

    Along with Jurgen Klopp, the Dutchman has already declared that he will be leaving Anfield this summer.

    When Lijnders joins Ajax, he will rejoin with Jordan Henderson, the former captain of Liverpool, who currently plays in the Eredivisie after breaking his contract with Al Ettifaq of the Saudi Pro League.

    After moving from FC Porto to the Reds in 2014, the 41-year-old eventually rose to become Klopp’s right-hand man.

    Lijnders, who has been long-term projected as Liverpool’s head coach, will depart the club after ten years with at least eight winner’s medals.

    Ajax is now experiencing one of their worst-ever Eredivisie seasons and are managing under a new manager for the first time this year.

    Under Maurice Steijn, who remained only until October after leading Ajax to a club record low of five points from seven games, the Amsterdam giants started the season.

    Pep Lijnders, Jurgen Klopp's assistant at Liverpool, is in negotiations to take over as manager of a storied European team.

    John van ‘t Schip, who took over for him, has stabilised things, but he was only appointed temporarily, and it now appears quite likely that he will be replaced this summer.

    On January 26, it was declared that Lijnders, along with fellow assistants Peter Krawietz and Vitor Matos, would follow Klopp out of Liverpool.

    With the statement, “Pep especially is ready – ready to manage a football team and he wants to do that as well, so that’s great, along with Vitor,” Klopp made it plain that the Dutchman intended to take on a more leadership role in the dugout.

    “If you alter, adjust appropriately. They are also prepared for the future, which makes me quite pleased. Pep Lijnders was without a doubt the most important member of this club in recent years. He performed an extremely amazing job. He is an incredible source of motivation for me.

    “Our relationship is nothing short of extraordinary. Excellent in every way. And I’m eager to follow in his footsteps and offer assistance when needed. And I will without a doubt do so if I can.

    Lijnders managed the Reds during Klopp’s suspension and also led the squad through a demanding fixture schedule in 2019. This gives him some first team management experience.

    Additionally, he has given several press conferences prior to Carabao Cup games, and following big wins, Klopp has frequently acknowledged his strategies.

    More news….

    Tottenham is in the lead to sign a target from Liverpool.

    Teun Koopmeiners is a midfield player, and Tottenham has apparently been interested in bringing the Dutch international to North London.

    Spurs have failed to sustain their performances after an amazing start to the season under new manager Ange Postecoglou, as they have dealt with multiple injuries to important players.

    Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin were added in the January transfer window to increase the depth of their squad, but there will undoubtedly be more additions in the summer.

    The top player on that list is Koopmeiners, a midfielder for Atalanta who has drawn interest from multiple Premier League teams.

    Spurs and Liverpool are in the “front row” for the 25-year-old, according to a report from the Italian publication Calciomercato.

    However, the article claims that Atalanta will be looking to pay the “best possible price,” using Rasmus Hojlund’s high-profile transfer to Manchester United as an example of a prospective fee. As a result, he might not come cheap.

    This season, Spurs’ midfield has been the key to their success; James Maddison, a recent addition, has chemistry with Yves Bissouma, Papa Matar Sarr, and Rodrigo Bentancur when healthy.

    Koopmeiners’ addition to this well-established midfield will enable them to contend on all fronts.

    They will be more competitive on all fronts in the upcoming season with Koopmeiners joining this already solid midfield, especially if they manage to secure Champions League football.

  • Pep Lijnders gives four updates on Liverpool’s injury as ‘special’ signing who ‘has everything’ named

    Pep Lijnders gives four updates on Liverpool’s injury as ‘special’ signing who ‘has everything’ named

    What's been said?

    Jurgen Klopp’s assistant manager Pep Lijnders was tasked with leading the press conference ahead of Liverpool’s trip to face Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup.

    Liverpool will still be without all but one player who missed the win over Nottingham Forest over the weekend.
    Additionally, Curtis Jones is also back after his suspension.

    Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp handed responsibility for the pre-match press conference to his assistant Pep Lijnders, who provided an injury update and the latest news on the situation of Luis Díaz’s parents, kidnapped in Colombia.

    Lijnders did not elaborate on the situation with Díaz, but explained that the club was doing everything it could to support the winger in a difficult period. He also praised the force’s response to the incident.

    Midfield duo Thiago Alcântara and Stefan Bajčetić remain absent due to injury, while Conor Bradley is yet to return but Ben Doak is back in training and could potentially be included in the squad of the day against Bournemouth.

    What’s been said?

    “Lucho is an incredible player and we knew that,” Lijnders said.
    “But then you see him in the building and he’s the person who’s always smiling, so we really care about him.” Now we try to support him as much as possible; many things are out of our control.

    “It’s completely normal.
    We hope the authorities find his father and we pray for that. He is one of us and the team responded brilliantly after our goal by holding up their shirt for him so he knows we are there for him.

    Not much has changed regarding injuries.
    “We missed Thiago,” Lijnders said.
    “I missed him a lot. Imagine our new midfield that people are talking about and you also have Thiago in the middle as a guide. It will take time. He won’t be available. We hope to get him back soon.” Stefan is not available.”

    “We see the Ryan of Ajax!” Lijnders said of Gravenberch. “That’s why the cut is so important. A player who doesn’t play a match for two weeks will never develop his confidence. I’m not sure what happened at Bayern, but I don’t play.

    He has total confidence here. We knew we had a special player thanks to training. Ryan has everything to be an eight and still gets to the penalty area and shoots.\”

    “I told Harvey [Elliott] a few weeks ago that I had never seen him train so well,” Lijnders added. “Now he’s behaving consistently.
    He’s acting more like a senior than you might think, he’s got the character to do it.
    He’s making an impact.”

    What does it mean?

    For Bournemouth, Liverpool will make many changes. But it would be nice if Doak could be back at some point after his injury, and the number of other players Lijnders spoke about shows the depth of the squad at Anfield these days.

    More news……

    Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has been sacked by second-tier Saudi Arabia despite an unbeaten start.

    Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has been sacked after four months in charge of Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsia.Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has been sacked after four months in charge of Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsia.

    Liverpool icon Robbie Fowler has been sacked by Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsia.

    Former Sevilla coach Michel González (48) was replaced despite leading Al Khobar to second place in the league with 8 wins, 6 draws and 1 draw in the league opener. Fowler was named manager of the month last week after recording two wins and a draw in September.

    Al Qadsiah’s King’s Cup run ended in September, but it was another positive month for Fowler.

    His shock resignation came just days before the team’s top-flight clash with Al Oroba in the Saudi First Division, a level below the Saudi Professional League.

    In the first transfer window, Fowler decided to bring in the likes of former Wigan Athletic midfielder Max Power and former Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles.

    The move to Saudi Arabia marks Fowler’s fourth managerial role after spells at Muangthong United, Brisbane Roar and East Bengal, a two-year break that ended with his move to the Middle East.

    Al Qadsia said on Twitter: “Al Qadsia FC terminate the contract of manager Robbie Fowler.
    “I would like to thank the coach for doing his best during the contract period with the team,” he said.

    In an interview with the Times last August, Fowler said: “I want to be the best manager I can be and I know people say, ‘I can go anywhere’, but in reality I can’t.

    “Nobody in England knows what I did. I wanted to do it right and was generally successful, so I was on my way to getting all the coaching badges and degrees I needed.

    I took third place in a competition held in Thailand. In India we had 10 days to prepare, our aim was not to finish bottom but we did and it was a great achievement.

    “I would compare it to playing in the Premier League with Accrington Stanley and punching above your weight.
    In Australia, the penultimate team climbed to fourth place. English clubs are neither interested nor bothered.
    Maybe I forgot.

    “I know people [in Saudi Arabia] want to talk about money, but that doesn’t matter to me.
    Of course the money helps and we get paid but the money is less than in India and we are not even in this division [professional league],” he added.

    “I’m here not just as a manager, but because I have the opportunity to develop the club significantly.
    So when people ask me why I’m here, I say ‘Why not?