Gary McAllister on Working with Pep Lijnders at Liverpool
Liverpool will face a familiar figure alongside Pep Guardiola when they play Manchester City, marking Guardiola’s 1000th game as manager. This match also sees Pep Lijnders confronting his former club for the first time since leaving Liverpool.
Pep Lijnders' Career Journey
Lijnders stepped down as Liverpool assistant manager after six successful years in the summer of 2024, ending an era alongside Jurgen Klopp and the coaching staff at Anfield. He then pursued a managerial role at Red Bull Salzburg, but after just half a season, he was dismissed.
Despite wanting to establish himself as a manager, many were surprised when Lijnders returned to an assistant coaching role last summer, this time at Manchester City, a club he had previously battled fiercely against while at Liverpool.
Gary McAllister’s Perspective
Gary McAllister, who worked briefly with Lijnders at Liverpool, praises his coaching qualities:
“It was expected that Pep would opt for another Pep! On the training ground, during sessions, he's one of the finest I've encountered. He’s highly skilled and has learned under some very astute managers.”
McAllister explained how Lijnders was nurtured in the Dutch football tradition and emphasized his dedication to coaching.
“I believe he has had a couple of attempts at management, but those are distinct paths. Many coaches move to management when they feel they’ve exhausted coaching, but it’s a completely different endeavor. I think Pep has realized his strength lies as a coach.”
Impact on Liverpool
McAllister is confident that Lijnders' knowledge of Liverpool will not disadvantage the team when facing Manchester City.
“Coaches and players have extensive knowledge about opponents. There’s minimal information players don’t have, including about their coaches.”
He noted the tactical evolution of both teams, with Liverpool aware of changes in Manchester City’s style and vice versa.
Context and Related News
In the same week, John Heitinga, Lijnders' successor at Liverpool, was sacked from Ajax, indicating coaching turbulence linked to the former Anfield staff. McAllister was unsurprised by Lijnders returning to an assistant role.
Author's Summary: Gary McAllister regards Pep Lijnders as an exceptional coach whose strengths lie in coaching rather than management, offering valuable insights ahead of a key Liverpool-Man City clash.