Gary McAllister shared insights about Pep Lijnders and Steven Gerrard, highlighting their coaching capabilities as exceptional. The two coaches have carved unique paths in their careers, with Lijnders currently serving as assistant manager at Manchester City and Gerrard contemplating a return to management.
Pep Lijnders: A Notable Return
Pep Lijnders, formerly an assistant manager at Liverpool, is set to face his old club with Manchester City. This matchup takes place on an important occasion as Pep Guardiola celebrates his 1,000th match in management. Lijnders departed Liverpool in the summer of 2024 after a successful six-year tenure, later briefly managing Red Bull Salzburg.
His unsuccessful stint in Austria led to his return to a coaching role, surprisingly as Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City. Gary McAllister, who worked with Lijnders at Liverpool, was not surprised by this move and praised his skills on the training pitch.
Gary McAllister’s Perspective
- McAllister emphasizes Lijnders’ ability to adapt and his extensive experience working under top managers.
- He mentions similarities between Lijnders and Klopp’s philosophies, particularly their emphasis on attractive football.
- McAllister believes that having knowledge of opponents’ strategies is crucial for success in football.
Despite Lijnders’ past connection with Liverpool, McAllister asserts that this knowledge won’t disadvantage the Reds in their upcoming match against City. Both teams are expected to analyze each other thoroughly, reflecting the competitive nature of the Premier League.
Steven Gerrard: Future Prospects
On the other hand, Steven Gerrard has been exploring management options since his tenure at Aston Villa ended in October 2022. He has turned down opportunities, including a possible return to Rangers, but McAllister is optimistic about Gerrard’s future in management.
- Gerrard enjoyed success at Rangers and is eager to find the right opportunity to return.
- McAllister remains close to Gerrard, discussing potential future collaborations.
- Both coaches face challenges but hold aspirations for impactful returns to their respective coaching careers.
As Lijnders prepares for his first significant clash with Liverpool since his departure, and Gerrard plots his next move, both figures continue to demonstrate their exceptional coaching qualities. The football world keenly watches their journeys unfold.
