---
title: "Former Reds coach linked with shock return as Klopp assistant"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/feature-writers/former-reds-coach-linked-with-shock-return-as-klopp-assistant/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Elliott Cuff"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2018-05-17T21:53:03Z"
modified: "2018-05-17T21:53:03Z"
---

# Former Reds coach linked with shock return as Klopp assistant

Former Liverpool coach Pepijn Lijnders could be set for a surprise return to the club to replace Zeljko Buvac as Jurgen Klopp’s number two, following the Bosnian’s recent shock departure, according to [MailOnline](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5742459/Pep-Lijnders-set-shock-Liverpool-comeback-Jurgen-Klopps-No-2.html).

Buvac and Klopp have a long history working together, with Buvac having been the German’s assistant of 17 years. However, he recently left in abrupt fashion, despite the club having Champions League glory just beyond the reach of their fingertips.

While Buvac is still technically a Liverpool employee, with the club insisting he could still potentially return, many see it as unlikely to happen.

![Ian MacNicol/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/readliverpoolfc/2018/05/856264668.jpg)

While Klopp will not be rushed into making a decision over a new assistant, certainly not before the Champions League final later this month, Lijnders could be the man to come in.

Lijnders only left the Reds in January to become manager of Dutch club NEC, but he was sacked following the club’s disappointing play-off campaign in which they failed to earn promotion to the Eredivisie.

With the Dutchman having had a good working relantionship with Klopp while at Liverpool, he could be someone who could come in to replace Buvac.