Pep Lijnders won't be next Liverpool manager and reveals reasons why as he lifts lid on Jurgen Klopp exit decision

Pep Lijnders has firmly ruled himself out of the running to replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss.

The search for a new leader began in earnest after the German publicly announced his plans to step down on 26th January. With No2 Lijnders' close relationship and successful history with him, many fans and experts suggested he would be a natural choice to take over. Speaking previously, Klopp said: "The most influential guy in the last years definitely in this club was Pep Lijnders. The job he did is absolutely exceptional. The inspiration he is for me is absolutely exceptional."

Despite the high praise from Klopp, Lijnders made his stance clear during a press conference ahead of Liverpool's clash with Chelsea in the Carabao Cup Final. His intention is to leave Anfield alongside Klopp and seek a managerial role somewhere else. He explained: "Nobody will replace Jurgen. I was clear, to be honest, when we had the talk a long time ago for me it was clear and it made it easier for me." He continued: "We knew in the summer, 'OK we are going towards the end of this project'. It's too much about me...we play in a final in 48 hours. I understand, so I think I have given answers in interviews."

Lijnders, who has been with Liverpool since 2014, shared his feelings about leaving the club. He said: "I always got offers and my heart says yes, but my loyalty to Mike [Gordon] and Jurgen said no. So we agreed to finish this project together and it is the right way to do it. They will find a new coach with ideas and I am excited to manage to find the right club. But until the last final of the season I am focused on Liverpool and that is why we have agents, no?"

He returned to Liverpool after a short stint managing NEC in the Netherlands