Jurgen Klopp might have spent years battling Manchester City, but that didn't stop him from encouraging his former right-hand man to join the rivals. Pep Lijnders has revealed that Klopp fully backed his decision to become Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad.
The Dutchman left Liverpool alongside Klopp in 2024 after years of working together at Anfield. After a brief stint at Red Bull Salzburg, the opportunity to work with Guardiola came calling. And despite the fierce rivalry between Liverpool and City, Klopp's response was pure class.
"When I spoke with Jurgen he was so clear: 'If you don't do it, I will take the assistant job!'" Lijnders revealed. That's quite the endorsement from a man who's made it crystal clear he'll never manage another English club. Talk about putting personal feelings aside for someone's career.
Why Lijnders Couldn't Say No
The chance to learn from Guardiola was simply too good to pass up. Lijnders didn't hold back in his praise, calling Pep's understanding of the game "from a different planet." The decision came quickly once Guardiola made the call.
"The moment Pep called, the feeling was straight away really good," Lijnders explained. He acknowledged that leaving behind 10 years at Liverpool wasn't easy, but the opportunity to work with someone who's "defined football" was irresistible.
For bettors keeping an eye on City's tactical evolution, Lijnders' addition to the coaching staff could prove significant. His fresh perspective and Liverpool-honed intensity might give City an extra edge in tight matches, something worth considering when assessing their Premier League title chances.
No Divided Loyalties at Anfield
Lijnders faces his former club when City travel to Anfield soon. But don't expect any sentimentality from the Dutchman. "I'm a professional," he stated firmly when asked about divided loyalties.
He admitted the visit will be "special" for his family, but his mindset is clear: win and beat Liverpool. That ruthless approach mirrors both Klopp and Guardiola's mentality, showing he learned well from both masters.
Meanwhile, Klopp has doubled down on his loyalty to Liverpool. He's confirmed he won't manage any club for at least a year and will "never, ever" manage a different English club. That's the kind of commitment Liverpool fans love to hear, even as they watch his former assistant help their biggest rivals.
