Ex-Liverpool ace Bobby Clark issues heartfelt message to Pep Lijnders after Salzburg sacking

Former Liverpool midfielder Bobby Clark has shared a heartfelt message for Pep Lijnders following the Dutchman’s dismissal as Red Bull Salzburg manager.

Lijnders, who took charge of the Austrian Bundesliga side in May after departing Anfield, has been relieved of his duties just seven months into his tenure.

Salzburg currently sit fifth in the table, trailing reigning champions Sturm Graz by ten points.

The decision to part ways with Lijnders was explained by Salzburg CEO Stephan Reiter and managing director Rouven Schröder in a joint statement.

The statement said: “We began recently to analyse, as planned, what has unfortunately not been a satisfactory season so far. It was clear to see that, in many of our matches, we have been far short of our own requirements and aims.

“We have, therefore, become convinced that our team needs a new impulse under new management, even if we continued to hope for a turnaround until the end. We would like to thank Pep for his work.

“He put a lot of effort and passion into this and has provided important momentum for our further development. We are now very intensively looking for a new coach and will communicate as soon as a decision is made.

“We clearly want to start training again on January 3, 2025, with our new coach in place.”

Bobby Clark, who made a £10 million move from Anfield to the Red Bull Arena in August, has paid tribute to Lijnders for the opportunities he was given early in his professional career.

Writing on Instagram Monday night, he said: “Good luck in the future. Thank you for your trust in me.”

Clark scored his first goal for Salzburg in Lijnders’ final game in charge on Saturday, a 3-1 victory over SK Austria Klagenfurt.

Despite the win, the Dutchman was dismissed in the aftermath.

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