Pep Lijnders has angered Liverpool fans for celebrating Manchester City's goals in the FA Cup quarterfinal less than two years on from his exit from Anfield
13:51, 04 Apr 2026Updated 14:15, 04 Apr 2026
Liverpool fans are fuming at former assistant coach Pep Lijnders' celebration for Man City's goal
Liverpool fans are fuming at former assistant coach Pep Lijnders' celebration for Man City's goal(Image: TNT Sports)
Former Jürgen Klopp assistant Pep Lijnders has risked the wrath of Liverpool fans for his Manchester City celebrations during the two teams' FA Cup quarterfinal.
Lijnders, 43, joined Liverpool in 2014 under Brendan Rodgers, but it was under Klopp where he enjoyed a rapid rise. In 2018, Lijnders decided to have his first stab at management, taking over at NEC Nijmegen, but he was dismissed after a few months for failing to secure promotion to the Dutch top flight.
He returned to the Reds in the summer of 2018 and remained at Anfield until the end of the 2023/24 season, departing alongside Klopp and taking the management post at RB Salzburg. However, like his stint at NEC, Lijnders didn't last long with the Austrian outfit.
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Lijnders was dismissed just before Christmas and took a short break before joining Pep Guardiola at Man City at the Etihad for the 2025/26 season, during which he has taken on his former Reds. The Dutchman is patrolling the touchline for a second-straight game with Guardiola serving a two-game ban.
Lijnders enjoyed celebrating Man City's first goal, six minutes from the halftime break, with prolific goalscorer Erling Haaland converting from the penalty spot. "Whatever happens, Lijnders remains a p----," one fumed on X.
"We’re getting cooked by Pep Lijnders, bloody hell. This is a new low for Arne Slot, I’m scared for what’s going to happen on Tuesday against PSG," another tweeted.
"I wish Pep Lijnders nothing but the worst," another reacted in a bizarre outburst.
Manchester City's Dutch assistant coach Pepijn Lijnders gestures on the touchline during the English FA Cup quarter final football match between Manchester City and Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on April 4, 2026.
Manchester City's Dutch assistant coach Pepijn Lijnders gestures on the touchline during the English FA Cup quarter final football match between Manchester City and Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on April 4, 2026.(Image: Getty)
It's not the first time Lijnders has angered Liverpool fans. He rubbed some Reds faithful the wrong way after writing a book divulging tactics. Lijnders released a book called "Intensity: Inside Liverpool" on July 7, 2022, while still working as Klopp's assistant coach.
"Look at that p---- Pep Lijnders celebrating like he won UCL. Liverpool intensity book you know," an LFC fan reacted. "The same pep that made a book about 'intensity' that f----- a lot of our squad up with injuries," another fumed.
Lijnders responded to his book critics at the time, and he didn't pull any punches. "[I have] No regrets [about the book], I enjoyed every word," he said.
"The moment it was published, it was done, it's a new season, new problems. I hope a lot of people enjoy it.
Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola (L) chats with Manchester City's Dutch assistant coach Pepijn Lijnders (R) on the touchline during the UEFA Champions League, round of 16 second leg football match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on March 17, 2026.
Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola (L) chats with Manchester City's Dutch assistant coach Pepijn Lijnders (R) on the touchline during the UEFA Champions League, round of 16 second leg football match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on March 17, 2026.(Image: Getty)
"You guys know better than anyone when you write something, there'll be people who like it and those who don't!"
"The book doesn't give away as much as people say but it's a bit of inside information. If it inspires a few, I'm already happy," he continued.
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"If you don't know what to buy as a Christmas present, please buy it for your bitter uncle!'