Lijnders’ Career Journey: From Liverpool to City and Beyond

Lijnders began his tenure with Liverpool in 2014 as a developmental coach under manager Brendan Rodgers. Following Jürgen Klopp’s appointment in 2015, he became an integral member of the first-team staff. Midway through the 2017-18 season, Lijnders took on a managerial role at NEC Nijmegen in the Netherlands’ second tier. However, after being dismissed at the end of the season, he returned to Liverpool that summer to serve as Klopp’s assistant until the legendary manager’s departure in 2024.

After leaving Liverpool, Lijnders was named manager of Red Bull Salzburg ahead of the 2024-25 season. Unfortunately, he was dismissed in December of that season due to unsatisfactory performance in the Austrian Bundesliga.

In the summer of 2025, Lijnders was presented with the opportunity to become assistant manager at Manchester City, which would allow him to work alongside Pep Guardiola, building on his previous experience with Klopp. The intense rivalry between City and Liverpool made Lijnders hesitant, leading him to consult with his former boss at Anfield for advice.

When asked about the difficulty of his decision, Lijnders candidly stated: “Do you want my political answer? No, of course not. The moment Pep called, and the feeling he gave me about what he wanted to do with the team by bringing me in, the trust he already had before we discussed how it would look – that made the decision much easier.”

He continued, “But you cannot put away 10 years of Liverpool that easily. However, I am truly proud to join a club of this stature that has enjoyed remarkable success over the last decade and has a manager who has redefined football. When I spoke with Jürgen, he was very clear: ‘If you don’t take it, I will!'”

Lijnders expressed that his upcoming return to Anfield would be special, particularly for his family, but emphasized that his goal remains to win and overcome his former club.

In 2024, Klopp decided to step down from his role at Liverpool, citing a depletion of energy. He subsequently assumed the position of head of global soccer at Red Bull and has indicated he may never return to coaching. Nonetheless, speculation continues linking him to the Real Madrid job following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso in January. Alvaro Arbeloa has taken temporary charge, but Madrid is expected to seek a permanent solution ahead of the 2026-27 season, with Klopp frequently mentioned in discussions.

Meanwhile, Klopp is set to return to Liverpool as an assistant to Sir Kenny Dalglish for a charity legends game against Borussia Dortmund in March.

Back in Manchester, Lijnders and Guardiola are preparing for an upcoming match against Tottenham Hotspur. Although Manchester City has secured victories in their last two Premier League encounters at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the north London club retains an impressive record against Guardiola’s teams, with all six of their permanent managers since his arrival in England in 2016—Mauricio Pochettino, José Mourinho, Nuno Espírito Santo, Antonio Conte, Ange Postecoglou, and Thomas Frank—having achieved at least one win against him.