Interview with "Krone"

Salzburg coach Lijnders: “Then I’ll be strict”

Pep Lijnders in conversation with the "Krone"

(Bild: Kronen Zeitung)

A new face in Salzburg. Before he starts the new season with the Bulls, Red Bull Salzburg's new head coach Pepijn Lijnders met with the "Krone" newspaper.

He gesticulates and communicates a lot, corrects the players and likes to grab the ball himself. Salzburg's new head coach Pepijn "Pep" Lijnders knows exactly what he wants. "I want to use every minute to move the team in one direction, to inspire them and take even more initiative," he says in an interview with the "Krone" newspaper. His players have plenty of freedom as long as they stick to certain rules. "If they move within our idea, they can get away with anything. But if someone doesn't play along, then I get strict."

Pep Lijnders

(Bild: Tröster Andreas)

"Every disadvantage brings an advantage"
As far as the injured are concerned, he is quite relaxed for the time being. His answer: "Academy! Talent!" But will that alone be enough? "Johan Cruyff said: Every disadvantage brings an advantage. If a Fernando can't play, a young player moves up." At the same time, the 41-year-old Dutchman also makes it clear that Salzburg is keeping a close eye on the transfer market. "If it offers something and we can improve, then we'll do something. But it's about making premium transfers that improve our first eleven. So if someone comes in, they have to be really good."

Lijnders, who worked with Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool for years and was allowed to lead the training there, is happy with the development of his squad after the first three weeks of training, including the camp in Saalfelden. "I can have the best ideas, but the important thing is that the players go along with them. And I have to pay them a very, very big compliment." In yesterday's test match between the runners-up and top Czech club Sparta Prague, the Bulls drew 2-2, with Gloukh (who is taking part in the Olympic Games with Israel) and Nene scoring.