In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through English football, Jurgen Klopp's former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders has disclosed that the legendary manager once claimed he would take a job at Manchester City despite his public vow of eternal loyalty to Liverpool.
The Unexpected Admission
Pep Lijnders, who now serves as assistant manager to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, has revealed that when he was considering joining Liverpool's arch-rivals last summer, Klopp gave his full backing with a surprising declaration. According to Lijnders, Klopp told him: "If you don't do it, I will take the assistant job!"
This remarkable statement appears to directly contradict Klopp's previous public commitments. The German manager has repeatedly stated he would never manage another English club besides Liverpool, telling reporters last year: "What I know definitely – I will never, ever manage a different club in England than Liverpool, 100 per cent. That's not possible."
Lijnders' Journey to Manchester
The Dutch coach departed Anfield alongside Klopp in 2024 after serving as his trusted deputy for many successful seasons. Following a brief tenure at Red Bull Salzburg, Lijnders found himself drawn back to the Premier League when Guardiola came calling.
"The moment Pep called, the feeling was straight away really good," Lijnders explained. "It was not a difficult decision. You cannot put away 10 years of Liverpool that easily, but 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."
Guardiola's Irresistible Appeal
Lijnders elaborated on what made the Manchester City opportunity impossible to refuse, highlighting Guardiola's unique qualities that won him over completely.
"Pep's brilliant, of course," said Lijnders. "He has a passion and a game-understanding from a different planet, in my opinion. The best ones are like that – Tiger Woods, all these guys – they push themselves to limits. He's constantly searching for that, very professional, very ambitious, wants to make impact every day."
He continued: "But I always say his biggest strength is the passion he has for his team, the passion he has for us, his love for his backroom staff, how he treats everyone and that family feeling inside this club."
Professionalism Over Sentiment
With Manchester City scheduled to face Liverpool at Anfield in the coming weeks, Lijnders addressed how he would handle returning to his former home ground in opposition colours.
"No, I'm a professional," Lijnders stated firmly when questioned about potential divided loyalties. "When I go to Anfield it will be special – maybe more special for my family than me – but my mindset is to win and to try to beat them."
Klopp's Contradictory Positions
The revelation creates an intriguing contradiction in Klopp's public and private positions. While publicly declaring he would never work for another English club, privately he appears to have been more flexible, at least in jest or hypothetical scenarios.
Klopp has been clear about his immediate plans, stating last year: "I will not manage a club or a country at least for a year, that's not possible. I cannot do that and I don't want to." However, his reported comment to Lijnders suggests a different perspective when it comes to specific opportunities and working relationships.
This disclosure adds another fascinating layer to one of modern football's most compelling managerial rivalries and raises questions about how absolute such public declarations of loyalty truly are behind closed doors.
