Arne Slot has taken over the reins from Jurgen Klopp at Anfield Stadium, and while we have been well into the new campaign, it still feels surreal not having Jurgen Klopp by the sidelines with Pep Lijnders sitting right behind him plotting the next tactical move. And following what was almost a decade’s service, it will take a while for the Kop to get used to having new personnel on the sidelines.
And while the highlighting focus is on Jurgen Klopp, it is easy to forget the role that Pepijn Lijnders played at AXA training centre. With Klopp’s exit, the Dutchman moved on from Liverpool as he took charge of Austrian Bundesliga club Red Bull Salzburg. He has always been someone who had quite a say behind the scenes at Anfield and is very much responsible for the culture that Klopp created at the club.
Lijnders praises Slot’s impact at Liverpool
Now, looking from afar, the 41-year-old has spoken about how the club needed to bring in an Arne Slot-type coach who not only brings a lot of personality to L4 but also understands the style of play and the fan base. He drew comparisons between Liverpool and Feyenoord while also speaking about how Slot’s constant pressing and counter-pressing game works out for the Merseyside Reds.
Speaking in an interview with The Athletic, the former Liverpool assistant coach said:
“You need a coach like Arne Slot who is close to what we tried to do over the years, having the ball in the opposition half, pressing, counter-pressing. He’s very strategical in that point of view. He’s made good steps and now it’s the chance for him to make another big step.”
Slot has enjoyed a fantastic start to his stint as the Merseyside Reds head coach as he now prepares to face Chelsea at the weekend as Premier League football resumes following the international break.
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What do you think about Lijnders’ words about slot slotting in at Liverpool? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.