Pep Lijnders, Jurgen Klopp’s longtime right-hand man, has definitively stated that he will not be taking over as Liverpool manager following Klopp’s departure at the end of the season.
This news comes despite widespread speculation surrounding Lijnders’ potential candidacy due to his extensive experience and close relationship with Klopp.
In a recent press conference, Lijnders acknowledged his desire to pursue a career in management but emphasized his unwavering loyalty to Klopp.
He stated, “Nobody will take Jurgen’s place. To be honest, I was clear when we had the conversation a long time ago; it made things easier for me.”
Lijnders’ decision paves the way for Liverpool to explore other options for their next manager.
Xabi Alonso, the former Liverpool midfielder currently leading Bayer Leverkusen to Bundesliga success, remains the frontrunner for the position.
His impressive performance in Germany has attracted interest from both Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
While Alonso has consistently downplayed these rumors, focusing on his current season, his future remains uncertain.
With Lijnders officially out of the running, Liverpool’s search for Klopp’s successor intensifies as the season draws to a close