Lijnders Makes Classy Gesture to Slot Before Man City vs Liverpool Reunion
Pep Lijnders faces Liverpool for the first time as Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City, having played a key role in the Reds' success under Jurgen Klopp.
Now in the home dugout at Etihad Stadium, Lijnders, Klopp's long-time assistant, aims to help Manchester City defeat Liverpool. He joined Guardiola's staff during the summer after being dismissed by Red Bull Salzburg last December.
Under Klopp, Lijnders was instrumental in Liverpool’s achievements, serving as his right-hand man while the Reds won the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the Premier League within just over a year along with several other trophies.
Before starting his new role alongside analyst James French ahead of the Club World Cup, Lijnders maintained strong ties with Liverpool’s leadership.
- He called Klopp to inform him about accepting the City job.
- He spoke with FSG president Mike Gordon, who wished him well and confirmed their positive relationship would remain unchanged.
- Out of respect, Lijnders also contacted Arne Slot.
"Lijnders called Klopp to tell him he had decided to take the job at City, while also speaking to FSG president Mike Gordon, who wished him well and reassured him that their relationship wouldn’t change."
"Not only that, but Lijnders also called Arne Slot 'out of respect.'"
Author's summary: Pep Lijnders, former Liverpool assistant, respectfully maintained relationships with Klopp, FSG, and Arne Slot before facing Liverpool as Manchester City's new assistant coach.