Liverpool are preparing for huge changes this summer with Jurgen Klopp leaving the club.
The Reds have reached an agreement with Feyenoord for manager Arne Slot and the Dutch coach will be charged with leading a new era at Anfield. Slot took Feyenoord to the Europa Conference league final in 2022 before claiming the Eredivisie title last season and added to his trophy haul by winning the KNVB Cup earlier this month.
However, it is not just Klopp who will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season. When the manager announced his decision to step down in January, Liverpool confirmed that three members of his coaching staff would also be departing the club.
Pepijn Lijnders
Pep Lijnders is the most recognisable member of Jurgen Klopp’s backroom staff and is expected to pursue a managerial role after leaving Afield. The 41-year-old was initially appointed as a youth coach under Brendan Rodgers in 2014 before returning to the club as a senior member of Klopp’s staff in 2018.
Lijnders had a short spell as manager of NEC Nijmegen but returned to the Reds after failing to earn promotion to the Eredivisie. He was viewed as a key reason for Liverpool’s success under Klopp, helping the team win the Champions League and Premier League, and released a book documenting the team’s journey during the 2021/22 season. His seniority with Klopp’s coaching staff was shown by Lijnders conducting press conferences ahead of Carabao Cup games.
On Lijnders’ impact at Liverpool, Klopp said: “The most influential guy in the last years definitely in this club was Pep Lijnders. The job he did is absolutely exceptional. The inspiration he is for me is absolutely exceptional.”
Vitor Matos
Vitor Matos was appointed as Liverpool’s elite development coach in 2019. Matos arrived from Porto, where he had coached throughout the younger age groups up to being assistant coach for Porto B. He is also expected to target a manager’s job, though Lijnders has hinted that Matos could become part of his coaching staff.
His role at Liverpool had previously been held by Lijnders, with the vacancy created when Lijnders stepped up to first team duties. Klopp described his work as maintaining the link between the academy prospects, who are heavily relied upon during pre-season, and providing a path to the first team. Klopp has often credited Matos’ work when using the club’s young stars.
On Matos replacing Lijnders as elite development coach, Klopp said: “We had to fill that void and we’ve done that with a really great guy, an outstanding coach. Young and experienced, you don’t get that a lot. A kind of guy who is used to have six or seven sessions a day.
“He is smart, his English is very good – which is obviously important – and he has worked at different clubs, but is educated at Porto, which is good for us because Pep is from there as well. He had made his own experience already and now we can all get the benefit of that. It will be great for the boys 100 per cent.”
Peter Krawietz
Pete Krawwietz has been part of Jurgen Klopp’s coaching staff throughout the German coach’s career. Krawietz did not play professionally but met Klopp while working as chief scout for Mainz, where the Liverpool boss would become manager.
Krawiertz followed Klopp to Borussia Dortmund, working as an assistant manager, with the German side earning global acclaim for winning the Bundesliga and reaching the Champions League final. Klopp has nicknamed Krawietz ‘The Eye’ due to his scouting expertise and praised his and Lijnders’ contributions after signing his most recent Liverpool contract
“I’ve said there were a number of things that made my decision an easy one – and Pep and Pete signing was one of them. A massive one, in fact,” Klopp said. “It is important they remain here to continue the continuity of our project together. What they bring to Liverpool FC is invaluable.
“Of course, as manager many will see me as ‘the face’ of this club and I can understand that, but Pep and Pete’s influence on our success and story together should not – and should never be – undervalued.
“My story with Pete goes back many years now to our time together at FSV Mainz and Borussia Dortmund and I’m so happy it will continue for a few more years. What this guy sees on a football pitch is remarkable, really. I don’t know how he does it, but it’s a talent and one that Liverpool FC are better for having.
“I have watched Pete develop as a coach over our years together and since we both came to Liverpool, I have really seen his influence and talent grow and grow. He is an outstanding and priceless coach.”
