Pep Ljinders reveals how close he was to succeeding Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager as former assistant takes charge of RB Salzburg

Pep Ljinders has revealed how he was ‘really considered’ by Liverpool chiefs as a potential replacement for Jurgen Klopp as their manager. 

Klopp shocked the football world in January when he announced his decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season – with former Feyenoord boss Arne Slot set to take charge.

Ljinders, who worked alongside Klopp for much of his tenure at Anfield as his assistant manager, has now also departed the club to manage RB Salzburg. 

Now, the 41-year-old has disclosed that Liverpool contemplated naming him as Klopp’s successor but added that the club felt that it would be unfair for him to directly follow the German. 

As reported by The Athletic, Ljinders stated that he was ‘really considered’ by Liverpool to take over from Klopp.

Ljinders worked alongside Klopp for the majority of the German’s tenure at Anfield

Ljinders recalled how FSG president Mike Gordon phoned him in early February and said: ‘Pep, we really considered you, but I think it’s fair for you that we don’t put you after Jurgen.’ 

He also reflected on how Klopp had asked him on several occasions if he would become Liverpool boss but added that he said no each time. 

Ljinders said: ‘Jurgen asked me about it a few times in recent years. The season before I got the question from Jurgen and two times this season, but each time I said ‘no’.

‘The first reason was I really felt that this was a project of ‘us’. Jurgen led it and I really felt we should end this project together. Secondly, I’ve been at Liverpool for nearly 10 years.’

Ljinders expressed his belief that it was important for him to face a fresh challenge in a different environment. 

He said: ‘I was ready for a new experience: new people, my own staff, my own players. I gave everything I had to this playing group. I think the team would continue with the same ways if I stayed here. 

Liverpool elected to bring in Feyenoord manager Arne Slot as their replacement for Klopp 

‘I feel that the team as well needs something new. But I never knew 100 percent what my response would be if Mike Gordon called me. You say ‘no, no, no’ but then…’ 

Prior to Klopp’s arrival in 2015, Ljinders was already working for Liverpool as a development coach. 

Ljinders departed Liverpool in January 2018 to manage Dutch club NEC but was sacked at the end of the season after they failed to secure promotion to the Eredivisie. 

After returning to Liverpool, Ljinders was part of the coaching staff as Klopp’s side won the Champions League in 2019. He was also involved as Liverpool won the Premier League title the following year, ending the club’s 30-year wait for league glory.