Pep Lijnders’ brief tenure as manager of RB Salzburg has come to an end after just six months.
The Dutch coach, who had followed Jurgen Klopp’s footsteps out of Liverpool to pursue a first-team managerial career, has been dismissed by the Austrian club.
A Challenging Season
Lijnders’ time in charge of Salzburg was a rollercoaster.
He took over in May, with high hopes for a fresh start, but the results have been less than expected.
With just seven wins from 16 matches in the Austrian Bundesliga, the team found themselves 10 points behind the league leaders.
Despite an early boost that included Champions League qualification, inconsistent performances have left the club in need of a change.
Salzburg’s Official Statement
On Monday, Salzburg confirmed Lijnders’ departure with a statement, noting that both Lijnders and assistant coach Vitor Matos were leaving.
The club acknowledged the early positives but cited a string of disappointing results as the main reason for the decision.
The statement expressed gratitude for Lijnders’ efforts, highlighting his passion and contribution to the team’s development, despite the struggles this season.
The Search for a New Coach
In a joint statement from CEO Stephan Reiter and Sporting Director Rouven Schröder, the club outlined that, after a period of analysis, it was clear the team needed a fresh direction.
They emphasized that, even though they hoped for a turnaround under Lijnders, the results ultimately led them to seek a new coach.
The club confirmed they are actively searching for a replacement and hope to have a new manager in place before the team resumes training on January 3, 2025.
Lijnders’ Coaching Journey
Before his stint with Salzburg, Lijnders had a short-lived first managerial role in 2018 at NEC Nijmegen, which ended swiftly before he rejoined Klopp’s staff at Liverpool.
Known for his strategic mind and passion for the game, Lijnders earned praise as a key figure in Klopp’s coaching staff, alongside Peter Krawietz.
His autobiography, Intensity, revealed behind-the-scenes insights into Liverpool’s success, though it also sparked some controversy among fans.
The search for a new manager at Salzburg continues, and fans will be watching closely to see who will take over next.