Exclusive: Liverpool figure “really appreciated around Europe” as exit already certain, says expert

Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders is really appreciated around Europe, according to Fabrizio Romano as he provides further insight into Ajax’s interest in hiring the Dutchman as their next manager.

Lijnders has long been highly regarded for his work alongside Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, and it’s not too surprising that there now seems to be serious interest in him moving on and becoming a head coach himself.

Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his latest Daily Briefing column, Romano explained that Lijnders is expected to have what it takes to be a good manager, but he also clarified that the Reds man is not the only name on Ajax’s list for next season.

Lijnders to Ajax – latest update from Fabrizio Romano

“Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders has emerged as one of the candidates to be the new Ajax manager for next season. Lijnders is under consideration at the club, but still waiting on a decision. For sure, he will be leaving Liverpool alongside Jurgen Klopp – he’s not staying on beyond the end of this season,” Romano said.

“Lijnders is really appreciated around Europe as people believe he’s an excellent assistant and could become a very good head coach. Ajax have included his name in a shortlist for next season, but he’s not the only one.

“For sure, Ajax will change manager and begin a new chapter in the summer, and for sure Lijnders will leave Liverpool as he’s also ready for a new challenge after great work alongside Klopp at Liverpool.”

LFC fans will no doubt wish Lijnders well, but it will be interesting to see if he can sufficiently impress in his next chapter and one day perhaps become a candidate to return to Anfield as the main man in the dugout.

There was even some recent talk that Lijnders could replace Klopp