Pep Ljinders set to face Liverpool for the first time since breaking Jurgen Klopp promise

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from DaveOCKOP or go back to LFC Live.

Pep Lijnders, former assistant coach at Liverpool, is set to face his old club for the first time since joining Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s new assistant coach. Lijnders left Liverpool simultaneously with Jürgen Klopp and has recently made a surprise switch to City, which sparked substantial discussion among fans and pundits.

Lijnders is well-versed in Liverpool’s coaching philosophy and culture, having worked closely with Klopp during two spells at the club. His appointment at City has been met with some criticism, notably because he now serves under Guardiola at a club still dealing with significant financial breaches amounting to over 115 violations. This context adds a layer of intrigue to the upcoming encounter between the two clubs.

The Manchester City vs. Liverpool fixture carries additional significance given Liverpool’s history at the Etihad Stadium, which traditionally has been a challenging venue for them. Not since 1991 have Liverpool won two consecutive league games at City, and the club aims to break this pattern. The match also precedes an international break, making it a crucial moment for Liverpool to gather momentum before losing key players like Mohamed Salah to the African Cup of Nations.

Lijnders’ return to face Liverpool marks a notable reunion in the Premier League, with the away fans expected to voice their opinions regarding his move. Despite the tension, this marks a significant chapter in Lijnders’ coaching career, transitioning from Klopp’s trusted aide to a prominent role alongside Guardiola, embodying a unique dynamic in one of football’s fiercest rivalries.