Rewind to May 2024, and many Liverpool supporters were worried what the future may look like.
Having just lost Jurgen Klopp, there was a real question mark over whether Arne Slot could step into the legendary German’s shoes and hit the ground running.
It wasn’t only Klopp who needed replacing, though. Near-enough the whole Liverpool coaching staff took their leave along with the boss. There was an incredible amount of change.
Perhaps the most significant of these, after Klopp of course, was assistant manager Pep Lijnders.
Lijnders had been with Liverpool for more than a decade having pre-dated Klopp’s time at the club. His departure to finally begin a career as a head coach was necessary, but it was still predicted to be damaging.
Instead, Liverpool thrived under Slot. Meanwhile, Lijnders struggled to make an impression – and was eventually sacked – by RB Salzburg. Five months after receiving his P45, though, Liverpool’s former number two is set for talks over a return to England.
Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Pep Lijnders set for Norwich interview
Lijnders was highly rated across Europe before taking the Salzburg job. But, for whatever reason, things did not work out in Austria for the Dutchman.
Having seen his first real attempt at management turn into a bit of a disaster, Lijnders may need to set his sights slightly lower for his next position.
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And according to The Telegraph, that is exactly what the 42-year-old is doing. After featuring in the Champions League for Salzburg, Lijnders could potentially be in the dugout in the Championship next season.
They claim that the former Reds coach is set for talks over the vacant position at Norwich City.
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Lijnders will reportedly be interviewed for the post next week as he looks for a return to English football.
Interestingly, former Liverpool academy coach Gary O’Neil is said to be one of those running against Lijnders. O’Neil is claimed to have been interviewed already as Norwich weigh up which direction to take.
Norwich could be ideal for Lijnders
Without knowing the exact ins and outs, it is hard to pinpoint why Lijnders’ time at Salzburg went as badly as it did.
But, whatever happened, Klopp’s trusted right hand man does deserve another shot to prove himself.
While it may be a slight step down from what he envisioned for himself, Norwich could be the ideal place for Lijnders to do that.
The Canaries are at a bit of a low ebb having finished 13th in the Championship this season, but they are regularly in and around the promotion picture.
Should Lijnders be hired and do a good job at Carrow Road, he will be much more visible than he would have been at Salzburg. Let’s wait and see if he can edge O’Neil out and get his post-Liverpool career back on track.