Fan footage taken from Anfield’s Main Stand appeared to show Pep Lijnders having a big say in a pivotal moment during Liverpool’s Merseyside derby win on Saturday.
With the Reds unable to break down 10-man Everton just after the hour mark, Jurgen Klopp made a double substitution, withdrawing Ryan Gravenberch and Kostas Tsimikas for Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott.
It was a bold move which saw Luis Diaz adopt an unconventional left wing-back role, but the manager’s roll of the dice ultimately worked as the home side prevailed 2-0, with Jamie Carragher hailing the ‘brilliant’ performances of the two players who were brought on in the 62nd minute.
X user @asim_lfc was at the game on Saturday and, sitting just behind the Liverpool bench, they captured an exchange between Klopp and Lijnders which showed the German’s assistant speaking intently to his boss.
The clip was accompanied by the caption: “The influence of Pep Lijnders… A big shoutout to Pep for his heavy influence on the strategic changes yesterday.
“Gravenberch’s substitution raised some eyebrows, but the move aimed to boost left-side goal threat with Szobo and Harvey securing ball retention on the right.
“It was a long conversation between the two. Employing Diaz as an attacking fullback was certainly innovative as he provided width and ball carrying ability against the flat 5 of Everton.
“It’s always nice when tactical ideas are executed especially when Pep was getting slaughtered for Liverpool’s poor form last season.”
A subsequent reply to the X thread showed Klopp embracing Lijnders in an apparent show of appreciation.
Even though the manager is the public face of a club, they invariably value the input of their coaching staff greatly, and the Dutchman seemed to have a big say in the defining double substitution on Saturday, much to his boss’ delight.
You can view the thread of Klopp and Lijnders, via @asim_lfc on Twitter/X:
The influence of Pep Lijnders 🧵
A big shoutout to Pep for his heavy influence on the strategic changes yesterday. Gravenberch’s substitution raised some eyebrows, but the move aimed to boost left-side goal threat with Szobo and Harvey securing ball retention on the right. #LFC pic.twitter.com/HvbG0O4r9J
— AsimLFC (@asim_lfc) October 22, 2023