Why was Jurgen Klopp’s former assistant fired from RB Salzburg?

Jurgen Klopp's former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders was most recently fired from his position of Austrian side RB Salzburg's head coach.

Why was Jurgen Klopp’s former assistant fired from RB Salzburg?

Jurgen Klopp former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders was sacked by RB Salzburg. (via Liverpool Echo)

Former Liverpool assistant manager and one of Jurgen Klopp’s closest confidants, Pepijn Lijnders, has most recently been sacked by RB Salzburg. The Dutchman lost the opportunity to reunite with Klopp, ahead of the German taking over as the new football head of Red Bull. 

Pep Lijnders hoped to pursue a career in first-team management following his Liverpool exit, and RB Salzburg came calling. However, the Dutchman’s managerial ambitions have been cut short, and he has been fired from his position as RB Salzburg’s head coach.

It comes after a disappointing start to the new season. The club lies fifth on the league table and have won just seven out of their 16 matches. In the UCL, the club they remain in the 32nd position on the table and are on the verge of disqualification. The poor run of form of the club has most likely led the management to part ways with Pepijn Lijnders.

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Lijnders followed Jurgen Klopp out of Liverpool, following his retirement at the end of the 2023-24 season. Pep had begun his coaching journey as an assistant to the German manager in 2015. He had joined Dutch club NEC in 2018, but parted ways just six months after being in charge.

He reunited with Klopp ahead of the 2018-19 season. The Dutchman was set to reunite with the German boss once again in 2025, after the 57-year-old most recently agreed to take over as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer.

Meanwhile, in an official communication by the Austrian giants, the club expressed its intent in looking for a new manager and start training by January 2025. Salzburg’s CEO and managing director also thanked Pep Lijnders for his efforts throughout the season.

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Real Madrid identify Jurgen Klopp as a replacement for Carlo Ancelotti

Los Blancos have reportedly identified Jurgen Klopp as a potential replacement for Carlo Ancelotti, owing to the club’s poor start to the season. Real Madrid are currently third on the La Liga table with 37 points, and a dismal 20th on the UCL table with just nine points.

Jurgen Klopp Carlo Ancelotti
Jurgen Klopp and Zinedine Zidane have been identified as replacements for Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. (via Al Jazeera)

Jurgen Klopp is considered as one of the finest managers of the generation. It would be a brilliant move for Real Madrid if they succeed in appointing him.

The German tactician has, however, taken a break from management. The German manager boasts an impressive record of two Bundesliga titles, one EPL title, one UCL title and a FIFA Club World Cup.

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Apart from the ex-Dortmund boss, Real Madrid could also bring back former manager Zinedine Zidane back into the side in order to end their recent struggles. Madrid under Ancelotti, this season, have looked vulnerable, and face an uphill task ahead.