Pep Lijnders: Charting a New Course at RB Salzburg
New Leadership for the Austrian Giants
In a significant shift within European football’s coaching carousel, Pep Lijnders has been named the new head coach of RB Salzburg, marking a fresh chapter after his tenure with Liverpool FC. This appointment sees Lijnders stepping into a pivotal role, eager to imprint his vision on the Austrian Bundesliga side as they continue to assert their dominance in domestic and European competitions.
OFFICIAL: Pepijn Lijnders will take over as our manager next season!
The 41-year-old Dutchman will join us from @LFC on a three year-contract.
Welcome to Salzburg, Pep! ✍️ pic.twitter.com/gdXNitWJg9
— FC Red Bull Salzburg EN (@FCRBS_en) May 15, 2024
From Liverpool to Salzburg
Lijnders, who departs from Liverpool at the culmination of the 2023-24 season, brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic coaching philosophy to Salzburg. His journey at Liverpool saw him evolve from an under-16s coach at the Academy to a key figure within the first team’s technical staff. Under the stewardship of managers like Brendan Rodgers and later Jürgen Klopp, Lijnders was instrumental in Liverpool’s recent era of success, which included securing the Premier League and Champions League titles.
“I am very proud to become the new head coach of FC Red Bull Salzburg,” Lijnders shared. “This is a real privilege for me. After PSV Eindhoven, FC Porto, and Liverpool FC, I am now moving to another exceptional club with a really good structure and a particular focus on youth development.”
Commitment to Attacking Football
At the core of Lijnders’ philosophy is a commitment to an attacking style of play, driven by passion and a relentless pursuit of success. “I want to develop a mentality with the team that places a lot of emphasis on attacking style of play and where passion and hunger for success are the basis of everything,” he explained. His approach not only aligns with Salzburg’s historical style but also promises to enrich it, ensuring the club remains a beacon of innovation and excellence in football.
Building on Foundations of Success
Joining Lijnders in this new venture is Vitor Matos, who after four-and-a-half years as elite development coach at Liverpool, will serve as Salzburg’s assistant coach. Their partnership, forged in the competitive fires of the Premier League, will now be pivotal in Salzburg’s strategy to stay ahead in the constantly evolving landscape of global football.
Lijnders emphasized the collaborative nature of their mission: “Together with my assistant coach Vitor Matos and the entire support team, we will do our best to help the club continue to grow in an ever-changing football world.”
Personal Connection to Salzburg
The decision to join Salzburg was also influenced by personal experiences. Lijnders noted the warmth and beauty of the city, which left a lasting impression on his family during a previous visit. “My family has visited the city before and was overwhelmed by its beauty and the friendliness of the people. That was the last and important step for me in choosing FC Red Bull Salzburg,” he remarked.
As Lijnders and Matos prepare to depart Liverpool following the season’s finale against Wolverhampton Wanderers, their focus shifts towards fostering a culture of success at RB Salzburg. With an eye on furthering the club’s legacy and a strategy deeply rooted in dynamic, forward-thinking football, the duo is set to embark on what could be one of the most exciting chapters in their coaching careers.
