Pep Lijnders slammed over post-game antics on the field after Liverpool loss to Man City

Pep Lijnders has come under fire for his on-field behavior following Liverpool’s defeat to Manchester City, with his post-match actions drawing attention

Pep Lijnders returned to Anfield for the first time with Manchester. City(Image: Getty Images)

Pep Lijnders has found himself under scrutiny after his conduct on the field following Liverpool’s defeat to Manchester City. The assistant manager, formerly of Liverpool, celebrated quite obviously on the field and added another talking point to an already heated afternoon at Anfield.

The first half ended goalless, with Manchester City largely in control despite a lack of clear-cut chances, although Hugo Ekitike went close with a header and Florian Wirtz saw a promising effort blocked. Dominik Szoboszlai broke the deadlock with a superb long-range strike, curling the ball into the top corner.

Liverpool grew into the game after the break and matched City’s intensity, but it was the visitors who had the decisive edge. Goals from Bernardo Silva and then Erling Haaland turned the contest in City’s favor, bringing an end to their poor recent record at Anfield.

Lijnders was criticized for his post-match conduct, with some branding his actions unnecessary and urging him to leave the field and celebrate privately in the dressing room rather than on the field following the final whistle.

The Dutchman had long seemed destined to be a Red for life after a decade at Anfield, which came to an end in 2024. Lijnders had even hinted at a possible return to Liverpool should his ambitions as a head coach pan out.

However, after an unsuccessful stint as RB Salzburg’s manager, the 43-year-old returned to the sidelines as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

During his time at Liverpool, Lijnders became known for his boundless enthusiasm, often speaking about the club in glowing terms that sometimes bordered on performative.

Pepijn Lijnders was criticized for celebrating City's win against Liverpool

When asked whether it would feel ‘weird’ to be in the away dressing room at a stadium he had long called home, most would expect a simple yes.

Lijnders, however, deflected the question, saying the occasion would be more for his family than himself and insisting that his sole focus was on beating Liverpool.

“No [it won’t be weird], because I’m a professional,” he answered. “We played them here [at the Etihad], when we go to Anfield it will be special, more special for my family than for me. My mindset is to win and to try to beat them.”

Liverpool.com says: Lijnders’ celebrations after City’s win at Anfield have drawn both attention and criticism, highlighting just how personal football can become. Having spent a decade at Liverpool, his return to the stadium as an opposing coach carried high emotion, but you can't expect him not to celebrate his current side's victory