Pepijn

Lore & Background

Beyond his time in the youth academy, Lijnders is often cited as a key figure in maintaining PSV's reputation as a talent factory. His work as Head of Coach Development and Methodology ensured that young players were not just technically proficient but tactically astute, ready to step into the first team or attract interest from Europe's elite clubs. Although he left for Liverpool in January 2014, his brief tenure at Eindhoven is viewed by fans as a promising chapter in the club's ongoing pursuit of excellence.

In Their Own Story

The rain slicked the training pitch behind De Philips Stadion as Pepijn Lijnders stood with his hands clasped behind his back, watching the evening session. He didn't shout; he simply pointed to a space opening up between the defensive lines. The young midfielder nodded, dropped deep, and instantly found the winger on the right wing. It was that moment of silent understanding—the hallmark of PSV's philosophy—that Lijnders had spent years cultivating.

Reader's Guide

Matchdays at De Philips Stadion are defined by the electric atmosphere created by over 35,000 fans clad in red and white. The stadium's architecture, particularly the iconic 'Korfbal' stand, creates an intimate bowl that amplifies the roar of the crowd whenever the team attacks. Fans gather early at the surrounding bars, singing traditional chants like 'PSV, PSV' or the iconic 'Wij zijn de koningen'. The pre-match ritual involves a sea of scarves waving in unison, creating a visual wave of red that stretches from the Kop to the opposite end. The experience is sensory: the smell of damp grass mixed with hot snacks, the thud of drums echoing off the concrete stands, and the collective gasp when a striker takes a shot. It is a tradition where every generation learns to support the team with passion, ensuring the club's spirit remains alive.

Did You Know?

• Pepijn Lijnders left PSV in January 2014, before the club won the Eredivisie in 2014–15 and 2015–16.
• His tactical philosophy at PSV heavily influenced his later role as a highly sought-after coach in England and Germany.
• Lijnders worked primarily in the youth academy, not as a senior assistant coach under Phillip Cocu.
• He is considered one of the key figures in the continuity of PSV's youth development success stories.

Early Foundations and Development Work

Pepijn Lijnders established his professional footing in Dutch football before expanding internationally. His journey commenced in 2002 at PSV Eindhoven, where he focused on youth training and individual player development rather than immediate first-team management. This foundation led to a significant move in 2006 to Porto, where he contributed to their renowned youth academy structure. During his tenure there, he gained valuable experience working under several high-profile figures including Vítor Frade, Luís Castro, Jesualdo Ferreira, and André Villas-Boas. These early years were crucial for shaping his tactical understanding and coaching philosophy before entering the English game. The exposure to different managerial styles in Portugal provided Lijnders with a diverse toolkit that would later inform his successful transition into top-flight assistant roles across Europe.

The Liverpool Era and Major Trophies

He remained with the club when Jürgen Klopp arrived, evolving into an assistant coach and first-team trainer. After a brief managerial stint elsewhere, Lijnders returned to Anfield on 5 June 2018. This second spell proved historically significant, as he was part of the staff that secured the club’s sixth UEFA Champions League title in June 2019. The success continued with the FIFA Club World Cup victory later that year and culminated in winning the Premier League title at the conclusion of the 2019–20 season. His contributions extended to domestic cups as well, including FA Cup and EFL Cup triumphs during his time on the bench alongside Klopp.

Managerial Ventures and Challenges

Lijnders sought to test himself as a head coach following his initial departure from Liverpool. He accepted the managerial position at NEC Nijmegen in January 2018, signing a one-and-a-half-year deal within the Dutch Eerste Divisie. However, he was dismissed in May 2018 after the team failed to secure promotion through play-offs. Years later, he took charge of Red Bull Salzburg in May 2024. This role faced immediate scrutiny; early criticism arose when he demoted national goalkeeper Alexander Schlager for Janis Blaswich. The defensive record suffered, with twelve goals conceded in the first three Champions League matches. Consequently, Salzburg announced they were parting ways with Lijnders on 16 December 2024 following twenty-nine matches in charge, as the team trailed by ten points in the league standings.

Recent Roles and National Team Appointment

Following his Salzburg exit, he joined Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s assistant manager on 10 June 2025. He departed alongside Guardiola in May 2026 after securing the EFL Cup and FA Cup titles with the club. His career trajectory reached a new peak when he was appointed assistant coach of the Germany national team on 24 July 2026, reuniting with Jürgen Klopp in an international capacity. Born in January 1983, Lijnders has navigated various coaching levels, from youth development to top-tier management, solidifying his reputation as a versatile figure within modern European football before settling into this high-profile national role.