Jurgen Klopp’s assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders named RB Salzburg’s coach

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Liverpool‘s assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders has been appointed the new manager of Austrian topflight club Red Bull (RB) Salzburg.

The Dutchman, who teamed up with Liverpool in 2014, will join the Austrian side this summer on a three-year contract.

The 41-year-old is in his second spell at Liverpool and is now expected to depart the club with Jurgen Klopp. The German has decided to leave his role as first team manager of the Reds.

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Ljinders said he wants to create an attacking style of play at his new club. The Dutchman stated he wants a club “where passion and hunger for success are the basis of everything”.

Salzburg’s new coach initially worked under Brendan Rodgers, remaining an important part of Liverpool’s backroom staff after Klopp’s appointment in October 2015.

He later left Liverpool for a brief stint as manager of Dutch outfit NEC Nijmegen. The tactician then returned to the Anfield club seven months later to occupy his previous position.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s development coach Vitor Matos will join Lijnders at RB Salzburg as his assistant manager.

Lijnders sees appointment as “real privilege”

Following his appointment, Lijnders stated his pride “to become the new head coach of FC Red Bull Salzburg.”

“This is a real privilege for me. After PSV Eindhoven, FC Porto and Liverpool FC, I am now moving to another exceptional club with a really good structure and a particular focus on youth development,” Ljinders said.

“I want to develop a mentality with the team that places a lot of emphasis on attacking style of play and where passion and hunger for success are the basis of everything.

“Together with my assistant coach Vitor Matos and the entire support team, we will do our best to help the club continue to grow in an ever-changing football world.

“My family has visited the city before and was overwhelmed by its beauty and the friendliness of the people. That was the last and important step for me in choosing FC Red Bull Salzburg.”