Pep Lijnders has shared intriguing details about his decision to join Manchester City as Pep Guardiola's assistant, revealing that he sought advice from his former boss, Jürgen Klopp, before accepting the role. This move comes despite Klopp's nearly decade-long tenure at Liverpool, a fierce rival of City in the Premier League.
Klopp's Persuasive Influence
In a candid revelation, Lijnders explained that Klopp played a pivotal role in his career move. The German manager, known for his competitive battles with Guardiola, reportedly joked about taking the job himself if Lijnders declined. This light-hearted encouragement helped ease Lijnders' internal conflict over leaving Liverpool, where he spent almost ten years, mostly alongside Klopp.
A Decade of Rivalry and Transition
Lijnders' time at Liverpool included three intense title races against Manchester City, with the Reds finishing as runners-up twice. This history made the transition to City a significant personal and professional decision. He joined Guardiola's coaching staff in the summer and will be present at Tottenham this Sunday, stepping in as Guardiola missed a recent press conference for personal reasons.
Reflecting on the offer, Lijnders said, "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 added, "But you cannot put away 10 years of Liverpool that easily. I'm really proud to come to a club of this magnitude, so successful over the last 10 years and with a manager that defined football."
Working Under Guardiola's Leadership
When asked about his experience with Guardiola, Lijnders described it as intense and brilliant. He praised Guardiola's unique understanding of the game and his ability to connect with players on an emotional level. "He has a passion and a game understanding from a different planet in my opinion," Lijnders noted. "The quality lies in how you touch the heart of the players, how you convince them to play in a certain way. That is something that didn't surprise me of course because I knew, but it's what I really like about Pep."
An Emotional Return to Anfield
Next Sunday marks a poignant moment for Lijnders as he returns to Anfield for the first time since departing in 2024. He anticipates it will be a special occasion, particularly for his family, but remains focused on the competitive aspect. "It will be special, maybe more special for my family than me," he said. "But my mindset is to win and to try to beat them."
This story highlights the complex dynamics and mutual respect among top football figures, even across rival clubs. Lijnders' journey underscores how personal relationships and professional ambitions can intertwine in the high-stakes world of Premier League football.
