Jurgen Klopp's question to Pep Lijnders before Liverpool exit encouraged Red Bull Salzburg move

Pep Lijnders has opened up about the emotional rollercoaster of leaving Liverpool last month, and how former boss Jurgen Klopp played a crucial role in his decision to take over at Red Bull Salzburg.

Lijnders earned a reputation as a tactical genius during his time supporting Klopp at Liverpool, with the pair sharing eight years together. His influence within the club was so significant that he was considered an ideal successor for Klopp - a topic they discussed privately. But with FSG's support, the Dutchman also decided to end his long tenure at Anfield to seek success elsewhere at the end of the season.

Securing his big opportunity without any fuss, Lijnders was announced as Salzburg's new head coach even before bidding an emotional farewell to Anfield in May.

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"The moment I signed for Salzburg was probably the moment where I could say goodbye to Liverpool - at least this is how it felt," he said in his first interview in Austria. "Knowing that I would go into a club that really suits my ideas, my style of play, the way we want to build with young players.

"It was double [the emotions] because you're signing and then saying goodbye to a club, my boys don't know anything else than Liverpool and England so for the whole family [it is a big change]. But everyone is ready to go, it feels it was the right time - it is the right time."

The 41 year old, who has been a long-standing confidant of Klopp, shares a mutual respect with the Liverpool manager. It was Klopp's pointed questions that led Lijnders to consider the Red Bull project as an ideal opportunity.

"When we said we were going to leave Liverpool, Jurgen [Klopp] asked me: 'What are you looking for? What should the new club look like? I said they should have a strong academy because I am a guy who loves to work with talent, loves to work with young players and help them to become their best version. That is what my life is about.

"Can you wish for a better club than Salzburg in terms of young players, talent, wanting to make the next step? Then I start studying the squad, the games, and you know there is quality, passion, hunger. In the meantime we have to fight to become champions and fight to show some European ambition as well."

Now embarking on his new role, the ex-Reds assistant has taken time to immerse himself in the culture of his new environment.

"I cannot say one bad thing over this whole process of signing and coming here to this city," he said. "I have been a tourist for a few days first, just walking through the city and feeling the beauty, the power, the class. I am really proud to be here and represent this quality, this specialty. We're representing a special city and special club."