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.

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!