Ajax is reportedly in discussions to bring in Liverpool assistant coach Pep Lijnders as their head coach for the upcoming season.
Lijnders, who has been an integral part of Liverpool’s coaching staff since 2018, has played a key role in the team’s success under Jürgen Klopp, contributing to victories in prestigious competitions such as the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League.
While there were speculations about Lijnders potentially taking over as Liverpool’s head coach following Jurgen Klopp’s departure at the end of the season, recent reports from Dutch outlet De Telegraaf (via @AnythingLFC_ on Twitter) suggest that Ajax is exploring the possibility of appointing him.
Lijnders has clarified that he will be leaving Liverpool alongside Klopp, rejecting any notion of staying at Anfield after the German manager’s exit. He stated (via Fabrizio Romano):
“Nah, I was really clear. We knew in the summer this was the end. I had offers last year, my heart always said yes, but my loyalty to Jurgen always said no. We will end this project together.”
Ajax has faced challenges in the Eredivisie this season, currently occupying the fifth position and trailing league leaders PSV Eindhoven by 29 points after 23 matches.
Following the departure of Maurice Steijn in October 2023, John Schip was appointed as the interim head coach, but the team’s struggles persisted, prompting the anticipation of a new manager taking charge in the summer.
