Lijnders leaves Liverpool for a solo venture at RB Salzburg

Lijnders begins his second job as a head coach in Austria. Previously, he worked at NEC, but the adventure in Nijmegen ended in 2018 after less than six months.

Despite the brief stint, it provided valuable experience that he carried forward. Lijnders spent about 8.5 years as an assistant coach at Liverpool over two periods, initially under Brendan Rodgers and later with Jürgen Klopp. During his time at Liverpool, Lijnders played a crucial role in the team’s tactical planning and player development, contributing to the club's successes, including winning the Premier League, Champions League, and other major trophies. Before that, he worked as a youth coach at Liverpool and a technique coach at FC Porto and PSV, where he honed his skills in player development and technical training.

RB Salzburg has signed Lijnders for three seasons. The move signifies Salzburg's commitment to bringing in a coach with a strong background in youth development and modern tactical approaches. Reported on Tuesday about the interest. The Austrian top club is at risk of missing out on the league title this season. Sturm Graz can become champions on Sunday with a victory, dethroning Salzburg after ten consecutive league titles. This potential change at the top reflects the competitive nature of Austrian football this season and the challenges Salzburg faces.

If Salzburg finishes second, they will have to play in the Champions League qualifiers, a critical phase for the club’s aspirations on the European stage. Currently, Salzburg is under the leadership of interim coach Onur Cinel. In April, head coach Gerhard Struber was dismissed due to a series of underwhelming performances, prompting the club to seek new leadership.

Lijnders has one match left with Liverpool. This coming Sunday, Wolverhampton Wanderers will visit Anfield. On that day, The Reds will bid farewell not only to manager Klopp but also to Lijnders and goalkeeper coach John Achterberg. It marks the end of an era for Liverpool, with Klopp's departure signaling significant changes. The expectation is that Liverpool will soon announce the arrival of Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff, indicating a new direction for the club.

As Lijnders transitions to his new role at Salzburg, he brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective. His journey from youth coaching to assisting in top-tier European football has equipped him with a unique blend of tactical knowledge and developmental expertise. Salzburg will hope that his appointment ushers in a new period of success and continuity, both domestically and in Europe.