SHOCKING NEWS: coming from Fabrizio Romano, “Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has warned the club against appointing former midfielder Xabi Alonso as his successor. Instead, Klopp believes that the assistant manager Pep Lijnders is the right man for the job. Lijnders has been a key part of Klopp’s coaching staff since he joined Liverpool in 2015, and he is highly respected within the club. Alonso is a Liverpool legend, but Klopp believes that he does not have the necessary experience to take over from him. Jurgen Klopp Cautions Liverpool Against Appointing Xabi Alonso as Manager – Endorses Pep Lijnders”.

Pep Lijnders expresses his readiness to step into a managerial role once he departs Liverpool at the conclusion of the season. Despite not being in contention to succeed Jurgen Klopp, the long-serving assistant manager feels it’s the opportune moment to embark on a new chapter in his career.

He asserts, “I really believe that it’s a natural progression.” Lijnders plans to evaluate his options in the coming months, considering the clubs interested in his services before making a decision. He acknowledges his debt to Liverpool, emphasizing that his allegiance lies with Klopp, and he will only pursue a managerial position once their collaboration concludes.

The 41-year-old Dutchman initially joined Liverpool as the under-16s coach in 2014 before Brendan Rodgers promoted him to the first-team staff the following year. After a brief stint as the head coach of NEC Nijmegen in his homeland in January 2018, Lijnders returned to Merseyside at Klopp’s invitation to assume the assistant manager role. Throughout his tenure, he has been instrumental in shaping the club’s coaching program.

Leaving Liverpool is not an easy decision for Lijnders. However, he believes in doing what is right, acknowledging that every phase of life requires making tough choices. He highlights the importance of honoring commitments and sees the current season as an opportune time to conclude the project he and Klopp initiated.

He remarks, “It’s really nice that we can make this decision early so we leave the club with a squad full of hunger, full of talent, a lot of leadership as well, who can for the next years be really successful.” Despite uncertainties surrounding the season’s outcome, Lijnders appreciates the opportunity to depart on a high note, leaving behind a team poised for future success.