The England U19s coach has been appointed as Brendan Rodgers assist manager
After the release of assistant manager Colin Pascoe and first team coach Mike Marsh last month, Reds have awaited news of their replacements with bated breath, hoping for the likes of Jamie Carragher or Sami Hyypia to be given the nod.
But after rumours emerged of Sean O’Driscoll being appointed Rodgers’ new number 2 last week, it’s been a widely known fact that the club would announce the 58 year old. And this morning the club officially unveiled the England U19s coach as the Liverpool manager’s assistant, with Pepijn Lijnders joining the first team coaching staff from the club’s youth setup.
On O’Driscoll, Rodgers told Liverpoolfc.com: “My admiration for Sean, as a professional, is well documented.
“He is someone with a clear vision and philosophy and has proved he has the ability to transfer that knowledge, through his coaching, to the players.
“I am looking forward to working with him and also learning from his experiences and gaining valuable knowledge from his expertise.”
The former midfielder had spells as a manager with the likes of Bournemouth, Nottingham Forrest and Bristol City, with limited success but is seen as a very forward thinking coach.
With regards Lijnders, the 32 year old has impressed hugely since his move to Anfield last season, tasked with developing the U16s group and his promotion has come as a result of this. Rodgers said: “This presents a fantastic opportunity for Pep and one I know he will grasp with both hands.
“He has excelled at the Academy and I believe this is the perfect time for him to make the step up to the first-team set-up and use his talents for the benefit of the senior squad.
“Pep displays a passion and enthusiasm for his profession that is truly infectious and I believe will have a positive impact.”
Liverpool will still be looking for a first team coach, it seems, with Lijnders being named the ‘first team development coach’, meaning that there should still be room for a former Anfield favourite, with names such as Robbie Fowler, Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia still being thrown about.
Anyone thinking this is an inspired move by FSG are sadly mistaken. They are just playing their usual guessing game. Remember first it was Kevin Keen + Steve Clarke, then Pascoe & Marsh and now we have o’Driscoll and Lijnders. Will it work? Well you could toss a coin either way.