In a remarkable revelation that highlights the unique dynamics of top-level football management, Pep Lijnders has disclosed the full extent to which Jurgen Klopp actively encouraged him to accept Pep Guardiola's offer to become Manchester City's assistant manager last summer.
The Unusual Endorsement from Anfield
While searching for a successor to Juanma Lillo, Guardiola reached out to several contacts within the football world, including Klopp, seeking references on the former Liverpool number two. What followed was an unexpected show of support from Liverpool's long-serving manager for his trusted colleague to join their Premier League rivals.
'When I spoke with Jurgen he was so clear,' Lijnders explained. 'He said: "If you don't do it, I will take the assistant job!"' This surprising endorsement from Klopp, who had worked closely with Lijnders for nearly a decade at Liverpool as they battled City for domestic and European honours, proved instrumental in the decision-making process.
Guardiola's Personal Approach
The Dutch coach admitted he had anticipated the approach from the Manchester City manager, noting that 'I felt the call coming because he asked a few people and it always comes back in the football world.' When Guardiola did make contact, his vision for the team made a significant impression.
'The moment Pep called, and the feeling he gave me about what he wanted to do with the team, that made the decision much easier,' Lijnders revealed. 'The feeling was straight away really good. It was not a difficult decision.'
Transition from Liverpool to Manchester
Despite his deep connections to Liverpool, where he spent almost ten years helping shape one of the club's most successful modern eras, Lijnders expressed pride in joining City's setup. 'You cannot put away 10 years of Liverpool that easily,' he acknowledged. 'But I'm really proud to come to a club of this magnitude, so successful over the last 10 years and with a manager who defined football.'
The 43-year-old has quickly become integral to City's tactical evolution, contributing to a new-look approach that emphasizes more direct attacking play while maintaining Guardiola's fundamental principles. His influence will face a significant test when he returns to Anfield next Sunday, though City must first secure victory against Tottenham today to maintain pressure on league leaders Arsenal.
Understanding Guardiola's Genius
Drawing from his own managerial experience at NEC Nijmegen and RB Salzburg, Lijnders offered insight into what distinguishes Guardiola from his peers. 'Pep knows exactly what he wants and with the good managers, it is about their love, in my opinion, for their team,' he observed.
The assistant manager elaborated on this perspective, suggesting that technical expertise alone doesn't define managerial greatness. 'You always have people who are geniuses in how to prepare a team, but the quality lies in how you touch the heart of the players, how you convince them to play in a certain way.'
Lijnders drew parallels beyond football to illustrate his point, noting that 'The best ones are like that. Tiger Woods, all these guys, they push themselves to the limit.' This emphasis on emotional connection and motivational ability, combined with tactical intelligence, forms the foundation of what makes elite managers like Guardiola exceptional in their field.
