Wednesday night sees Liverpool take on Arsenal in the fourth round of the League Cup. The Reds reached this stage of the competition by beating MK Dons 2-0 away from home in September, the fixture saw a thumping headed goal at the back post from prodigy Ki-Jana Hoever. Young players are often rotated into the squad for League Cup games and at Liverpool, so are coaches. Jürgen Klopp’s assistant manager gave the pre-match press conference. Kopites have been drooling over Pep Lijnders with many saying he is the next Liverpool manager.
The Dutchman was previously the elite development coach at Melwood before Klopp made him his right hand man. Vitor Matos, who worked with Lijnders at Porto, recently took up Pep’s former role with the academy.
With rumours surrounding Klopp’s future refusing to go away, Kopites have been looking toward the future. Jürgen won’t be around forever but it is looking increasingly like it won’t be the end of the world when he calls it a day at Anfield. Reds fans on Twitter have been calling for Pep Lijnders to be the next Liverpool manager.
These supporters were quick to point out that rushing club legend Steven Gerrard into the role would be a mistake when we have a Klopp clone already at the club.
Our Next manager. People will say Gerrard, but he’s the wrong choice to follow Klopp. We need low key, continuity, tactical discipline and knowledge of how we do things. Stevie can follow in 10-15 years once he really knows what he’s doing.
— Rob Michael-Phillips (@RobCadenceTD) October 29, 2019
Same. He knows the system. In fact we’ve kicked even more since Buvac left and he replaced him as Klopps assistant. If the likes of Gerrard came in after winning a few leagues with Rangers he’d pull a Souness and try and reinvent the wheel.
— ThisIsRumourControl (@HereAreFacts) October 29, 2019
Although the German boss’ departure isn’t enjoyable to consider, this fan is enjoying watching his assistant step up.
When Klopp leaves Liverpool, which I hope is many years down the line, Lijnders is looking like one hell of a contender to replace him. So impressive.
— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) October 29, 2019
One Kopite found the assistant gaffer’s presser utterly fascinating.
Could listen to Pep Lijnders talk all day long. The man just gets it. I don’t even need to comment again on who I think should be Klopp’s replacement should he ever leave. pic.twitter.com/ZuRfanMU5i
— Couch Nish (@CouchNish) October 29, 2019
Another Liverpool fan believed he showed some vital characteristics.
Pep is super intelligent, passionate and charismatic. So lucky to have him as one of our managers.
— Colin Kyaw (@tharlay9) October 29, 2019
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This Red was overwhelmed by the passion of the Dutchman.
Dreading the day Klopp leaves, but if Pep L takes over from him I would be more than happy with that. The passion in that 2 min video for the playing style and what Liverpool are about gives me goosebumps! Goosebump FC
— Emile Snyman (@Miela_777) October 30, 2019
But of course, the most important thing when Klopp leaves is continuity.
Every time I see Pep speak about football or Liverpool, it makes me think he’d be about as good of a candidate to follow Klopp as there could be. He clearly has the same approach and philosophy that Jurgen does, and he speaks so well about it.
— ENW (@e_n_w_) October 29, 2019