Pepijn Lijnders has disclosed his communication with FSG regarding the Liverpool managerial position.

Now confirmed as the new manager of RB Salzburg, Pepijn Lijnders has disclosed that the Liverpool owners had "seriously considered" him as a successor to Jurgen Klopp.

For quite some time, the prevailing opinion was that Lijnders, Klopp's assistant, would be an ideal successor at Liverpool.

It was therefore quite unexpected when, following Klopp's departure announcement in January, Lijnders was quickly discounted. Instead, the position went to another Dutchman, Arne Slot.

In an interview with The Athletic, Lijnders revealed that he was "seriously considered" for the role by Liverpool's proprietors.

He recounted a call from FSG President Mike Gordon in early February, saying, "'Pep, we seriously considered you, but we think it's fairer to you not to follow Jurgen directly.'"

Lijnders also mentioned that Klopp had inquired several times about his interest in leading Liverpool post-Klopp.

"Jurgen posed the question a few times over the past years. Once last season and twice this season, but I always declined," said the 41-year-old.

He cited two main reasons: the feeling that the project was a collective effort led by Klopp and that it should conclude as such, and his tenure at Liverpool nearing a decade, sparking a desire for a new challenge with new people, his own staff, and players. He believed the team would benefit from new leadership, although he was uncertain how he would respond if Gordon called.

Lijnders, who had a short stint managing NEC Nijmegen in 2018 before returning to Liverpool, now heads to Salzburg armed with more experience and a clear vision for his team's style of play.