Klopp’s former Liverpool assistant sacked by RB Salzburg after falling ‘very short’

Red Bull Salzburg sacked coach Pep Lijnders after 16 Austrian Bundesliga games in charge, saying Jurgen Klopp’s assistant at Liverpool had overseen performances “well below our own needs and objectives”.

Dutchman Lijnders was appointed in May after six years in his second spell at Anfield and guided Salzburg to a Champions League place through two ties, as well as winning his first three league games as manager.

Salzburg won three and lost six of their 12 games in October and November and are on course for automatic elimination from the Champions League, having lost five and won one of their first six games in Europe.

OFFICIAL: FC Red Bull Salzburg and Pepijn Lijnders part ways, the 41-year-old Dutchman was released from his duties today. Thank you for your commitment and all the best for the future, Pep!

— FC Red Bull Salzburg EN (@FCRBS_en) December 16, 2024

“We have recently begun to analyze, as planned, what has unfortunately not been a satisfactory season so far,” Salzburg said in a statement, adding that they hope to have a new coach when their players resume training on January 3.

“It was clear that, in many of our matches, we were far below our own demands and objectives. We are therefore convinced that our team needs a new impetus under new management, although we continue to wait for a change until the end.

“We want to thank Pep for his work. He put a lot of effort and passion into it and it has provided an important boost for our future development. “We are now looking intensively for a new coach.”

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