.Tom Hamilton, Senior WriterOct 2, 2024, 05:30 AM ETClose u2022 Participated in ESPN in 2011 u2022 Dealt with two Olympics, a set of Rugby Globe Cups and also two British & Irish Lions scenic tours u2022 Previously rugby editor, and also became senior writer in 2018The walls of Pep Lijnders' garage in his new Salzburg home are actually still bare.The unpacked cartons on the floor have moments of his journey from training student at PSV to coming to be Ju00fcrgen Klopp's "identical companion" at Liverpool, as Klopp calls it. There are actually bordered images, t shirts and also match rounds coming from the many finals he helped the crew reach.But there is another memento he cherishes above all as it summarizes what he is actually enthusiastic about creating youth, and observing all of them thrive on soccer's most significant phase. Close to one of the complement balls from the 2019 Champions Game ultimate is actually a photo coming from the parties after Liverpool's triumph. It is actually an image of Lijnders with Trent Alexander-Arnold on his back. Alexander-Arnold framed it as well as gave it to him when Lijnders quit Liverpool alongside Klopp in May. The subtitle goes through: "This is my favorite picture of us, too. Thank you for positively every little thing. Without you, none of it was feasible. Trent." Lijnders has received webpages and also webpages of instruction sessions going back two decades. His journey started in 2002 as young people train at PSV, in 2006 he relocated to FC Porto, then in 2014 he overcame the Liverpool positions to become a trainer under Brendan Rodgers as well as Klopp, before he chose to check out his personal during a chastening spell as NEC Nijmegen supervisor in 2018. He came back to Liverpool six months later along with fantastic success and also, as Klopp said to ESPN NL in August, Lijnders was actually the German's footballing "ideas for the last 9 years." Publisher's Picks2 RelatedLijnders is now starting an additional experience at FC Salzburg, hoping to funnel influences like Johan Cruyff, the papa of Dutch "Overall Soccer," Italian speculative and air conditioner Milan legend Arrigo Sacchi, and also ex-Feyenoord supervisor Wiel Coerver while instilling his own approach as a "counter-pressing beast," as Klopp puts it. But this isn't Liverpool 2.0, and he's not residing under Klopp's wing.The path from associate under a famous boss to supervisor in your very own right is actually a well-trodden one. There are results accounts: Mikel Arteta left Pep Guardiola's conservation in 2019 for the Collection work and has actually carried out unbelievably effectively in a quick room of time Josu00e9 Mourinho was actually assistant to Bobby Robson at Barcelona just before breaking out on his personal to become one of one of the most effective supervisors of perpetuity brand new Chelsea supervisor Enzo Maresca functioned under Guardiola while the excellent Joe Fagan took what he picked up from legendary duo Bill Shankly as well as Bob Paisley to guide Liverpool to silverware in the 1980s. However at that point there are the deterrent examples also: In 1998, Brian Kidd's tenure at Blackburn lasted 11 months after seven trophy-laden years at Manchester United along with Alex Ferguson John Sculptor prospered under Robson and Alan Pardew at Newcastle however bombed when he commanded as sitter in 2015. Thus, it is actually with that said record of changability that Lijnders is going it alone at Salzburg. He desires his crew to become known for his plan of footballing "intensity." However he won't be given very long a moratorium. His team have actually produced a gauged beginning-- gaining eight coming from 14 video games, but shedding 4-0 to Brest in the Champions Organization on Tuesday-- and while it's a group renowned for young people advancement, the followers expect results offered final time was their very first without cutlery for a years." Our company're attempting to create a team that can easily beat any person in world volleyball," Lijnders said to ESPN NL in August. "Are we certainly there however? No, not. Yet our experts're on training program." Coming From Cruyff to KloppPep Lijnders aided Jurgen Klopp create among the very best Liverpool staffs in the past of the nightclub. ( Image through John Powell/Liverpool FC using Getty Images) Lijnders' having fun job as a cussed midfielder for local amateur nightclub SVEB on the Dutch-German perimeter was actually halted at 17 years of ages as a result of an ACL injury. He went to the Central Principle for Sports Leader Training (CIOS) to research and started operating at PSV Eindhoven, receiving the only training apprenticeship available to students on the training course. As he juggled his studies and his job at PSV, he additionally took charge of SVEB's gets, where he to begin with tried to execute his viewpoint: a mix of "Total Football" (a liquid regulation football body motivating positional interchange promoted by Cruyff) and also relentless counter-pressing." I had the feeling players came to life when I trained, which offers you peace of mind," he says.The instruction with PSV was actually indicated to become a five-year job, however he was awarded a permanent agreement after three years, and also invested the next 2 years flitting in between the United States as well as the Netherlands with fellow coach Frans Hoek while building abilities like Cody Gakpo as well as Jordan Teze. He picked up from the fabulous Guus Hiddink when he was actually PSV instructor coming from 2002 to 2006 and tells ESPN: "Guus offered colour to Dutch football in the way Ju00fcrgen offered colour to German soccer." In 2007, aged 24, Lijnders had interest from MTK Budapest, but occupied an arrangement at FC Porto where he held on Vitor Frade's every term. Frade-- admired through Mourinho, Andru00e9 Villas-Boas, Robson as well as many others-- was actually an educational institution professor who was actually also assistant manager at Porto and the daddy of planned periodisation (generally using training as a mirror for match intensity and rhythm, rather than a separated exercise). Lijnders remembers their tactical advancements back then and burglarize a wide smile, referencing an aerial picture he possesses of one Carbon monoxide Adriaanse's setup where he released solely wingers on the flanks and also no full-backs. At that time it wasted his mind.In Portugal, Lijnders operated to spearhead Porto's "Task 611," a sunshade phrase for the nightclub's strategy to re-think the institute's relationship with the first string. "I taught all the groups-- U19 in the morning, U15 in the afternoon, as well as U12 and also U11 in the evening," he says. "In some cases I would certainly possess 40 gamers, yet I really did not communicate a word of Portuguese." Despite that barricade, Porto thrived. The club taken through talents like Jou00e3o Fu00e9lix, Andru00e9 Gomes, Andru00e9 Silva, Fabio Vieira as well as Diogo Dalot. There was also midfielder Ru00faben Neves, a player who captained Lijnders' youth groups at Porto, functioned as translator, and also someone who Lijnders composed that he "enjoys to bits" in his 2022 manual "Intensity."" That's why I really love soccer a great deal," Lijnders mentions. "The partnership you create along with the gamers. If that bond isn't there, there is actually no other way to effectiveness." He was sounded out through Rene Meulensteen in very early 2013 as an achievable addition to Ferguson's backroom staff at Guy United, however that broke down when Ferguson resigned by the end of that period. As well as through mid-2014, Lijnders awaited a brand-new obstacle. While researching for his UEFA mentoring symbols under the advice of the Welsh FA, Lijnders had secured a youth coach openings at Liverpool job, so the nightclub delivered U23 manager Michael Beale and also academy supervisor Alex Inglethorpe to listen to one of his presentations. It got the job done: "Michael pointed out to me, 'Pepijn, you are actually certainly not flying back to Porto, you're featuring me to Liverpool.'" One of Pep Lijnders' crucial skills was nourishing as well as determining academy ability just before providing a possibility to rise via the positions. ( Image by Cees vehicle Hoogdalem/Soccrates/Getty Photos) Lijnders flew to Liverpool that evening, was actually installed in a resort, and for three days they spoke. It wound up along with Liverpool supplying Lijnders a contract to take charge of the U16 as well as U15s: a team that included Rhian Brewster, Ben Woodburn, Caoimhu00edn Kelleher, Curtis Jones, as well as, particularly, leader Alexander-Arnold. That summer months Lijnders was marketed to a work with the first string under Rodgers, however when the Northern Irishman was sacked on Oct. 4, 2005, Mike Gordon (president of the group's managers Fenway Sports Team) inquired Lijnders to maintain Liverpool's training ground Melwood ticking over while they worked at Klopp. Naturally, when the German took over there were no promises he was actually going to always keep Lijnders. Many of Rodgers' staff had actually left presently, but Gordon talked to the new supervisor to continue a couple of coaches coming from the previous program. Klopp still had veto power, however levelled to the idea.The initially was John Achtenberg. "Great, considering that I really did not possess a goalkeeping trainer," Klopp keeps in mind telling Gordon. He inquired his new manager: "What carries out the other man carry out?" Gordon said Lijnders was a "technological train" a professional in tiding over in between young people as well as first string." In Germany, nobody spends for a coach like that," Klopp tells ESPN. "They 'd mention, 'You really want a second associate of what? What are you carrying out?' Thus, I ased if the tip a whole lot." It was a luxurious to Klopp, however he still really did not know much concerning this youthful Dutch instructor. Therefore on his first night at the nightclub, the new-look Liverpool monitoring encountered for dinner in the Hope Road Hotels And Resort. Klopp had his relied on personnel Zeljko Buvac as well as Peter Krawietz there certainly along with him, but he wished to be familiar with the new skins. Achtenberg sat to one side of him Lijnders to the other. "It was actually more or less adore prima facie," Klopp mentions of Lijnders. "I saw his interest for everything." Klopp also found just how much Lijnders respected him. "I do not observe on my own as an outstanding train," he states. "I know some people for one reason or another presume that, and you could see it in Pep's eyes. You could see him presume, 'I better listen closely.' That is actually just how it started. Due to the end, our team were actually equivalent companions." play1:40 Michallik: Slot producing Liverpool's post-Klopp shift painlessJanusz Michallik states the largest compliment you can easily pay for Arne Slot is that he's ceased pundits discussing lifestyle after Jurgen Klopp.Blossoming at AnfieldLijnders' first role under Klopp was as best advancement coach. He enjoys flipcharts and also each component of his planned sight was actually made a note of on these extensive pieces of paper. Klopp remembers those very early appointments, and also exactly how whenever he 'd speak, he 'd listen to Lijnders' marker scribbling away, taking down whatever he said.At this phase, Klopp contacted Buvac the "human brain" and also Krawietz the "eye." Talking in 2017 to LFC TELEVISION, Klopp mentioned: "Pep has come to be extremely significant in a short time due to the fact that he composes whatever down. He is additionally portion of 'the human brain' since he is our mind to consider the important things what our company carried out in previous sessions ... I obtained the Dutch trainer that was resisted to things! Dutch soccer is actually possession-based: it is actually Total Regulation Football, Cruyff. Yet he was actually a counter-pressing beast. I adored his exhilaration and the method he avoids the saddle when he refers to football." Among his best payments because first period at Liverpool can be found in pushing Klopp to provide a number of the institute players a chance in the first team, with Alexander-Arnold one of the initial marketed in 2016 at the grow older of 18." I might compose a book about the second he first told me about Trent Alexander-Arnold," Klopp tells ESPN. "Our team unlocked Trent managed right through it. His best feet is ludicrous. The Trent highlights video clip is ludicrous. You don't require the goals, it's the successfully pases, you watch the elapseds and assume 'Just how is actually that feasible?' It is actually a totally different sporting activity." Lijnders also had a significant impact in tiding over in between first team and also institute. "I profited from him," Klopp incorporates. "He opened my thoughts for various points in soccer. As we all get older, the span between you as well as the grow older of the gamer group gets bigger. My pair of boys kept me in touch with that creation, however certainly, the newest generation of unparalleled trains are actually on the market. There is actually always modify, development and renovation. Pep opened my eyes for those sort of things.Pep Lijnders possessed a quick stint at Dutch side NEC Nijmegen before rejoining Liverpool in 2018. ( Photograph through Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC through Getty Images) Under Klopp, Lijnders said a lot more task: planning instruction as well as the schedule around suits. Off the pitch, both regularly participated in padel as well as ended up being extremely close friends.Liverpool completed 4th in 2016-17 yet, midway by means of the complying with project, Lijnders was actually being actually sounded out concerning a head-coach placement of his personal spine in the Netherlands. Interested to go back to his homeland to become with his father as he battled cancer, the 34-year-old decided to take the best project at then-second branch edge NEC Nijmegen on Jan. 2, 2018. His target was actually to secure advertising back to the Eredivisie, yet it proved to become an unlucky spell and also they dropped in the playoffs to FC Emmen. After over 5 months in the job, he left behind by reciprocal arrangement on Might 17." I have actually regularly taken total obligation and also never ever mentioned a bad word concerning NEC," Lijnders points out. "It's an attractive nightclub, yet in some cases the timing is not right. At times there is actually no click, or sometimes you participate in a club where you need patience. But I take responsibility. I do not desire to say a lot of concerning it, due to the fact that every little thing I say might discover wrong. I found out a great deal to take right into my following job." Back at Anfield, Buvac had actually carried on in April as well as Klopp was looking for a brand new aide. Naturally, he wished Lijnders back.One day, Lijnders remained in the backyard with his partner Danielle and mom when his phone sounded. It was actually Klopp, as well as Danielle inquired what decision had to do with. "He informed me we're heading to dominate the world," Lijnders informed her.Just 19 days after he left NEC, Lijnders' appointment as Klopp's assistant manager was actually declared on June 5." We all know there is actually a popular phrase: 'You can learn more from beats than coming from steady triumph,'" Klopp mentions. "I'm uncertain it [Lijnders' opportunity at NEC] was actually an actual loss, but it wasn't properly prepared, I assume we can say that. Our company didn't talk a lot about it, it was not needed. I was actually merely grateful he returned." A golden returnPep Lijnders and Jurgen Klopp pose along with the FA Cup as well as the Carabao Mug trophy during the course of the Liverpool march on Might 29, 2022. ( Picture by Jan Kruger/Getty Pictures) Over the upcoming handful of years, Klopp and Lijnders will obtain amazing excellence all together at Liverpool. The crowning second was actually the 2019 Champions League last sway Tottenham Hotspur, but that was simply some of a variety of prizes including the 2019-20 Premier Game headline, 2022 FA Mug, 2019 Group Planet Mug, as well as 2022 and 2024 Organization Cups.Lijnders sympathized all the crucial seconds, both in the public eye and in the shadows as they sketched their effectiveness. He was linguist on decision when Klopp was attempting to convince Porto winger Luis Du00edaz to participate in the group in January 2022, and also keeps in mind partaking Klopp's kitchen attempting to exercise just how to persuade centre-back Virgil vehicle Dijk to authorize coming from Southampton in January 2018. However via all the pleasure and drawbacks, the work took its toll. And also before the 2023-24 period started, Klopp and also Lijnders started to plan for the finishing factor." It was actually occurring in the [2023] summer months, [with] an incredibly tough year responsible for our team," Lijnders states of a project where the group ended up 5th as well as were knocked out of the Champions League in the round of 16. "Our team enjoyed we won the final eight, 9 activities of the time, we still headed to Europe. We transformed the unit Trent went even more inside [to play as a midfielder]" In the summer our team actually talked about if it was actually the correct time to go, or if it was actually the right time to continue. Our experts stated 'yes, we'll do another year and also our experts'll view in January.' However by November-time, Ju00fcrgen pointed out: 'I'm done.' And I said, 'Yes if that holds true, it's opportunity for me to go as well.' I have actually had numerous, wonderful promotions recently, yet I intended to complete the project with him. My relationship is actually really sturdy with him: he's a sibling, a dad, a mentor. Away from my household and also closest good friends, he knows me far better than any individual." On Might 19, 2024, Klopp took charge of Liverpool for the ultimate opportunity as they trump Wolves 2-0. After being actually out on the pitch, soaking in the unfiltered adulation, presenting for numerous photographs, he discovered themself back in the bowels of Anfield and also there was a rare moment of silent." Our team would certainly possessed Louise Dobson, the group manager, informing us where to go and when, as well as we were actually so touched [by the events]," he mentions. "In the end, it was only Pep and me. We had rips in our eyes. We understood our experts were actually honored also since in our company, you come in with the main door and also they drive you out the back entrance. We were blessed and our company could walk out via the frontal door. Our experts created a publication together and also was actually the last section. And also our company delighted in that as much [as our team can] due to the fact that you know it's certainly not for life. That is actually life." After a night partying, and, depending on to Klopp, the Lijnders family dominating the dancing flooring, interest counted on the future. Lijnders had actually currently been actually dealing with passion coming from clubs keen to talk to him about honest openings, as well as he understood it was actually time for his household to experience one thing new." You possess one decade in Liverpool, in Formby, a little village, you possess whatever there, right?" he states. "Therefore my kids recognize nothing aside from England, Liverpool as well as the nightclub. They assume every coliseum feels like Anfield." Lijnders only talked to nightclubs who would certainly explore him in person in Formby, and also each time he will search for particular guarantees. However it was Austrian Bundesliga side FC Salzburg that attracted him. The group had withstood a tough 2023-24 campaign, which saw then-manager Gerhard Struber sacked in April, and succeeded the regular season however ended up second in the Champion Round to Sturm Graz to finish their initial trophyless season in a decade.After a browse through to Salzburg to explore the club face to face, Lijnders' wife Danielle relied on their youngest kid, Romijn, and also asked: "What do you consider Salzburg?" Romijn answered: "I skip it already." play1:34 Michallik: Arne Port has made Luis Du00edaz a better playerESPN FC's Mark Donaldson and Janusz Michallik go over just how Liverpool supervisor Arne Port is getting the very best out of his team, especially Luis Du00edaz, following their 3-0 gain Bournemouth.New beginningsOn Aug. 13, 2024, Salzburg defeated FC Twente 5-4 on aggregate to qualify for the Champions Circle team stage. "Our experts intend to be actually the crew that may beat anyone worldwide," Lijnders mentions. "Are our company there but? No, certainly not ... we have actually merely begun. But I really want the supporters to assume, "ok, this is actually the brand new Salzburg."" With his counter-pressing theory profoundly deep-rooted, Lijnders likewise wants his Salzburg to drown the opposition. "You may play a leading style of soccer, where you may have the ball in the challenger's half a lot," he adds. "We are young, we excel, our experts has plenty of blowing. Our team don't desire the enemy to have whenever. There is actually so much ability right here, a great deal electricity, so much youth. "We possess a much smaller squad, 16 or 17 players, and also offers our team space for the academy." With a mantra of "Fuu00dfball von morgen" [Soccer coming from tomorrow] as well as a history of first-rate players like Erling Haaland, Sadio Manu00e9, Dominik Szoboszlai, Benjamin Sesko and also Dayot Upamecano having come with the ranks, the club's emphasis is actually very much on youth the earliest players in the squad are actually goalkeepers Janis Blaswich (thirty three) and also Alexander Schlager (28 ), while the oldest outfield gamers are actually 25. Because Lijnders signed up with, Salzburg have actually currently robbed his aged club to sign midfielders Stefan Bajcetic and also Bobby Clark on loan, while the brand new manager additionally brought coaches Vitor Matos and Andreas Kornmayer with him.The wild guys from Salzburg u2764 pic.twitter.com/DrsXmSKwJ8u2014 FC Red Bull Salzburg (@RedBullSalzburg) August 27, 2024 The old Liverpool coaches still have their WhatsApp team available it is actually referred to as the "Gemstone Dogs," motivated by Apple television series Ted Lasso. When Salzburg stage show, the conversation is actually as energetic as ever, along with Klopp keeping a shut eye on how Lijnders is making out." Everyone with a little a soccer eye may find his influence," Klopp states. "I like this wonderful mix of true intensity, a very clear concept and possession. I informed him after an activity just recently, you can view this staff possesses a great train. That's how I determine trainers my entire lifestyle-- you check out the activities, and after that you ponder who trains all of them. They play well. I believe it is actually a win-win situation for him at Salzburg. It is actually therefore wise coming from him, and it is actually so wise from Salzburg." Salzburg's organization time began along with 4 wins, a draw and a defeat, however it has actually likewise observed destructive reductions to Sparta Prague (3-0) and Brest (4-0) in the Champions Game. He got some unfavorable judgment for fielding staffs against Sparta and Austria Wien without any Austrian players in the lineup, yet Lijnders understands there will certainly be opportunities when kind sags and also pressure increases. He will definitely stick to his guidelines which have offered him well until now." It's darker and also lonely when you do not gain, and also when you get involved in such a time frame, it could be black, lonesome and also uncomfortable," he states. "But when you are actually teaching on the field, assisting gamers enhance, I will definitely never ever obtain tired of that. In those moments you have to hold on to what makes you, as a player, as well as a coach." Every coach will certainly undergo tough time periods, yet there's nothing wrong with that said. I recognize I have fun with high risk, yet also higher incentive. That's who I am actually. There are pair of paireds in regulation football. There's the fit on the scoreboard, and the 2nd fit is your identity. You can lose one, but you'll certainly never lose the 2nd complement." I wish you'll find Salzburg pushing and also chasing the challenger across the entire sound, and also coming from all directions. Yet most of all, they're performing it with each other, permanently." Additional reporting: Sanne truck Dongen and also Milan van Dongen.