Pepijn

Lore & Background

People with the name include: Given name: Pepijn Aardewijn (born 1970), Dutch rower; Pepijn Bijsterbosch (born 1989), Dutch motorcycle racer; Pepijn Caudron (born 1975), Belgian composer and producer known as 'Kreng'; Pepijn van Erp (born 1972), Dutch mathematician and skeptic; Pepijn Lijnders (born 1983), Dutch football manager; Pepijn van den Nieuwendijk (born 1970), Dutch painter and ceramist; Don Pepijn Schipper (born 1980), Dutch DJ known as 'Don Diablo'; Pepijn Veerman (born 1992), Dutch footballer. Surname: Katharina Pepijn (1619–1688), Flemish painter; Marten Pepijn (1575–1643), Flemish painter.

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

The source article does not specify Pepijn Lijnders' role at PSV Eindhoven. It only lists him as a Dutch football manager.

Did You Know?

• Pepijn is the Dutch form of Pippin.
• The name was rarely used in the Netherlands before the 1960s.
• As a patronymic surname, Pepijn appears to be extinct in Belgium and the Netherlands.

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.