NewsPep Lijnders appointed new Red Bull Salzburg boss

The Dutchman was announced as the Austrian Bundesliga side's new boss this afternoon, confirming his next challenge after he leaves the Reds at the end of 2023-24.

He will be joined by Vitor Matos in Salzburg, who will become their assistant coach after four-and-a-half years as elite development coach at LFC.

"I am very proud to become the new head coach of FC Red Bull Salzburg," said Lijnders.

"This is a real privilege for me. After PSV Eindhoven, FC Porto and Liverpool FC, I am now moving to another exceptional club with a really good structure and a particular focus on youth development.

"I want to develop a mentality with the team that places a lot of emphasis on attacking style of play and where passion and hunger for success are the basis of everything.

"Together with my assistant coach Vitor Matos and the entire support team, we will do our best to help the club continue to grow in an ever-changing football world.

"My family has visited the city before and was overwhelmed by its beauty and the friendliness of the people. That was the last and important step for me in choosing FC Red Bull Salzburg."

Lijnders arrived at Liverpool back in 2014 as U16s coach at the Academy, before stepping up to become first-team development coach in 2015.

He initially worked under Brendan Rodgers in that position and remained with the senior set-up following the appointment of Jürgen Klopp as manager later that year.

After a spell in charge of NEC Nijmegen in his homeland, Lijnders returned to Liverpool as assistant manager ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

Matos joined the Reds from FC Porto in October 2019 in a role previously fulfilled by Lijnders, acting as an important link between the club's Academy and senior team.

Both have since been key figures as part of Klopp's coaching staff during a period that saw the Reds lift seven major honours, including the Premier League and Champions League.

Lijnders and Matos are among several members of the backroom team who will be departing the club alongside Klopp after Sunday's season finale against Wolverhampton Wanderers.