Gary McAllister Reflects on Working with Pep Lijnders at Liverpool
Liverpool will face a familiar figure in the dugout when they visit Manchester City on Sunday. Pep Guardiola will mark his 1000th managerial game, but attention will also be on Pep Lijnders, who returns to face his former club for the first time since leaving.
Pep Lijnders’ Departure and Career Moves
After six successful years as Liverpool's assistant manager, Lijnders stepped down in summer 2024 following a trophy-filled period at Anfield. He soon began his managerial career with Red Bull Salzburg, but his tenure lasted only half a season before he was dismissed.
Return to Assistant Role at Manchester City
Despite his goal to become a head coach, Lijnders surprised many by accepting a return to an assistant position last summer, this time at Manchester City — a club he had fiercely competed against during his Liverpool days.
Reaction from Former Colleagues
With John Heitinga, Lijnders' successor at Liverpool, recently sacked as Ajax manager, McAllister expressed no surprise at Lijnders stepping back into a deputy role.
"One of his old Anfield colleagues was not surprised to see the Dutchman return to his assistant roots."
Steven Gerrard’s Coaching Return
McAllister also shared thoughts on Steven Gerrard’s return to coaching, highlighting the growing presence of former Liverpool players in coaching roles.
Summary
Gary McAllister highlights Pep Lijnders as an exceptional coach and reflects on his career path, noting the challenges and decisions behind his return to an assistant role at Manchester City.
Author’s summary: Pep Lijnders’ journey from Liverpool assistant to head coach at Salzburg, and back to assistant at Man City, illustrates the complex path coaches navigate in professional football.