Pep Lijnders likely to take ‘incredible’ Liverpool coach with him to Ajax if he’s appointed

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With the final international break of the season now out of the way, the clock is truly ticking on Jurgen Klopp’s time at Liverpool.

Still in with a chance of lifting two more trophies this term, it could yet be the glorious ending that Klopp truly deserves at Anfield.

Whether the Reds end the boss’ reign in the right way or not though, Jurgen is leaving regardless. In just two months, the German will no longer be Liverpool manager.

With all the emotion that that throws up, it is easy to forget that it isn’t just Klopp who’s walking out of the Anfield exit door this summer. He’s also taking his whole coaching team with him, including trusted right-hand man Pep Lijnders.

Lijnders is an excellent coach in his own right and Liverpool have been lucky to count on his expertise over the past 10 years. But he deserves a shot at forging his own path in management and according to a report from The Times, he could be about to get it.

Pep Lijnders considered for Ajax job

After claims that Lijnders was being considered for the assistant manager’s job at Ajax, it’s now reported that he’s actually in the running for the top job in Amsterdam.

The Dutch giants seemingly have a direct line of communication to Pep, having reportedly consulted the Liverpool assistant over the signing of Jordan Henderson.

With Henderson ultimately joining in January, Lijnders could be reunited with the former Reds captain this summer.

According to The Times, it may not be the only reunion going on either. They claim that Lijnders would be ‘likely’ to include Liverpool’s elite development coach, Vitor Matos, on his staff.

Matos has already been confirmed to be leaving Anfield along with Klopp and his assistant. Although Jurgen obviously won’t be joining them at Ajax, the other two coaches look set to continue together.

Having previously been backed for the Liverpool job, it would be fascinating to see how Lijnders got on in charge of a huge club in its own right. With Matos by his side, Reds fans would be rooting for them.

Who is Vitor Matos

Matos joined Liverpool from Lijnders’ former club Porto back in October 2019. Ever since then, he’s been a key part of Klopp’s backroom team.

Often seen in and around the squad, the Portuguese coach has been the link between Liverpool’s first-team and their academy.

Having seen so many young players promoted over recent seasons, Matos is clearly doing something very right.

Klopp himself has often citied him as being an important figure, calling Matos ‘incredible’ [Liverpool ECHO] back in December 2020. He’ll be a big miss, but it’s exciting to see how he and Lijnders get on at Ajax. Maybe they’ll be back one day.