Pep Lijnders, the former assistant coach at Liverpool, is a frontrunner for the managerial position at Norwich City following the dismissal of Johannes Hoff Thorup.
Reports from The Telegraph and Football League World suggest that the club intends to initiate talks with Lijnders this week as they seek a successor to Thorup, who parted ways with Norwich after the team's playoff ambitions faltered.
Lijnders has developed a strong coaching reputation during his time alongside Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool, and he is poised for a return to English football. Thorup's exit came on the back of a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Millwall, prompting Norwich to appoint Jack Wilshere as interim manager.
Knapper underscored the club's commitment to a comprehensive search for a new head coach, emphasising a preference for external candidates. Lijnders' brief managerial stint at Dutch club NEC in 2018, combined with nearly a decade at Liverpool, positions him as a serious contender. His time at Liverpool saw him contribute to a coaching team that secured multiple trophies, including a Premier League title and a Champions League trophy.
After Klopp's departure from Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season, Lijnders took the helm at Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg. However, his tenure was short-lived, ending in December after 29 matches with a win percentage of 46.4%. Despite this setback, his high-level experience has piqued the interest of Norwich's leadership.
Norwich City is also exploring other candidates for the managerial vacancy. Gary O’Neil, who left Wolverhampton Wanderers last December, has reportedly engaged in discussions with the club. Meanwhile, Steve Cooper, recently dismissed by Nottingham Forest, is considered unlikely to accept the role as he weighs his options. Additionally, former Norwich captain Russell Martin, who was sacked by Southampton, is not under consideration.
As Norwich City embarks on a significant rebuilding phase, Knapper has stressed the importance of a careful decision-making process. "We want somebody in as soon as we can without compromising the quality of our process and of the candidate," he stated, indicating the club's aim to make an appointment before pre-season preparations commence.
With Lijnders' impressive coaching background and his attacking philosophy, he could provide Norwich with the fresh start they desperately need as they strive for promotion.