Ex-Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders is reportedly in the running to take over as the new boss of Championship team Norwich City, just six months after being given the boot by Red Bull Salzburg.
During his second spell at Anfield, which lasted six years, Lijnders played a crucial role in helping the Reds secure the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and several other trophies, working closely with former manager Jurgen Klopp.
However, the 42-year-old left Liverpool alongside iconic boss Klopp and the rest of his backroom staff at the close of last season to become head coach at Austrian outfit Red Bull Salzburg.
Despite this, Lijnders was shown the door less than halfway through the season with Salzburg due to underwhelming performances in both the Austrian Bundesliga and the Premier League.
According to the Telegraph, Lijnders is set to be interviewed by Norwich City in the coming days as the Championship side begins its search for a replacement for Johannes Hoff Thorup, who was sacked earlier this month.
Although he was a vital part of Klopp’s backroom staff at Liverpool, Lijnders has found it difficult to make his mark as a head coach, with both of his managerial stints, first with NEC Nijmegen and more recently with Salzburg, ending in dismissal.
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Ex-Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere had taken the reins at the end of the season, having worked with the club’s academy, but has since departed Norwich.
After being sacked from NEC in May 2018, Klopp brought Lijnders back to Anfield, where he had previously worked at the Academy and was later promoted to Brendan Rodgers’ first-team squad.
Before Klopp’s assistant left Anfield, the Liverpool manager praised Lijnders’ work, noting his profound influence on the team during his tenure.
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“The most influential guy in the last years at this club was definitely Pep Lijnders,” said Klopp. “The job he did is absolutely exceptional. The inspiration he is for me is absolutely exceptional.”
Arne Slot revealed earlier this season that he had spoken to Lijnders after last season’s Carabao Cup success to praise him for his efforts. He said: “I do remember texting Pepijn after because I knew how much the Academy meant — and still means — for him.
“That for the whole club, but definitely also for him, it was a big moment, that all these Academy players were on the pitch winning a final.
“So, I do remember texting him after that game and yeah, it was a special day for the club. It’s always a special day if you play a final.”
