Pepijn Lijnders has been relieved of his duties as head coach of Red Bull Salzburg after just six months, marking another setback in the Dutchman’s managerial career.
Lijnders, who took charge in May 2024, made a strong start with three consecutive league wins but struggled to maintain form, with Salzburg managing only four victories in their next 13 matches.
The team dropped to fifth in the Austrian Bundesliga, trailing leaders SK Sturm Graz by ten points.
Despite a 3-0 win over SK Austria Klagenfurt in their last match, the club cited “unsatisfactory performances” as the primary reason for Lijnders’ dismissal.
Salzburg’s struggles extended to the UEFA Champions League, where they finished bottom of their group with one win and five losses, ranking 32nd overall in the competition.
CEO Stephan Reiter and Sporting Director Rouven Schröder issued a joint statement explaining that a mid-season review revealed ongoing underperformance, prompting the need for a “fresh impulse.”
The club now aims to appoint a new head coach by January 3, 2025, when training resumes.
Lijnders’ departure coincides with Jürgen Klopp’s upcoming role as Red Bull’s head of global soccer, beginning in January 2025.
Klopp’s new position, overseeing Red Bull’s football operations, has fueled speculation that his arrival influenced Salzburg’s decision.
Lijnders previously worked alongside Klopp at Liverpool during a highly successful era, including victories in the UEFA Champions League and Premier League.
This marks Lijnders’ second short-lived managerial stint, following his tenure with NEC Nijmegen in 2018.
While his coaching credentials as Klopp’s assistant are widely respected, his struggles as a head coach highlight the challenges of transitioning to a leadership role.
Nonetheless, Lijnders’ tactical expertise ensures he remains a viable candidate for future roles, whether as a manager seeking redemption or in an assistant capacity.
As Salzburg navigates this transition, the club is determined to recover from a disappointing first half of the season.
Their search for a new head coach reflects their commitment to reclaiming domestic dominance and rebuilding their reputation in European competitions.
