Jurgen Klopp admits he is ‘gutted’ after Pep Lijnders left Liverpool’s backroom.
Lijnders has been appointed the new head coach of Dutch side NEC Nijmegen, bringing an end to his four-year association with the ranks at Anfield.
The 34-year-old initially took charge of the Reds’ under-16 side when joined the club in summer 2014 after spells with PSV Eindhoven and FC Porto.
His influence was stepped up to first-team level barely a year later as he was promoted to development coach under erstwhile manager Brendan Rodgers.
Klopp worked with Lijnders across his first two years in the Anfield hot seat and admits that his move to the Eerste Divisie outfit is a bittersweet moment.
He said: “It’s such a strange mix of emotions talking about Pep leaving us.
“Firstly, I am gutted to be losing such a valuable member of our coaching team and such a brilliant person from our group.
“But that is tempered by the fact I am very excited for him to have this opportunity and as much as we would have loved for him to remain with us, we cannot stand in his way for what is a fantastic opportunity.
“It is hard to undersell the role Pep played in helping us settle, educating us about football life in England and then contributing ideas to the progress and development of this team.
“He has such a big football brain, but it’s his willingness to learn and absorb information and always look to improve and be better as a coach that makes him stand out.
“Of course, one of his biggest legacies at LFC will be the development and integration into the first-team squad of so many young and exciting players.
“The role he played in making us aware of these players and then helping us get the best out of them will have a lasting impact here, beyond him leaving.
“On the personal side, his wonderful family have also become part of our lives and we will miss them so much.
“There will be no greater supporter of NEC Nijmegen in Liverpool than me and I know this is the very start of a long journey for Pep – one where he will undoubtedly become a success.”