Pep Lijnders Takes the Helm at Red Bull Salzburg: A Team to Watch Closely in 24/25 (Patreon)

As the 2024/25 season approaches, Red Bull Salzburg finds itself under the leadership of Pep Lijnders, a manager with a vision to make his team one that no opponent wants to face. Lijnders is determined to instill a playing style characterized by passion, intensity, and relentless pursuit of the ball. He wants his players to be front-footed, attacking from all directions, and embodying a fiery spirit both on and off the pitch.

Lijnders' philosophy is built on the belief that to ignite passion in his players, he himself must be passionate. This mindset will be crucial as he prepares his team for the upcoming challenges. "We can only set our players on fire if we ourselves are on fire," Lijnders asserts. This mantra underscores his approach to both pre-season and regular training sessions.

Pre-Season: Testing Mental Fortitude

For Pep Lijnders, the pre-season is not just about physical conditioning but also about gauging the mental resilience of his players. He emphasizes the importance of observing how players react when things do not go their way. During the season, there will inevitably be moments of adversity, and Lijnders is keen to see how his players handle these situations. He pays close attention to their body language, how they communicate with each other, and the overall spirit within the group. This period is crucial for building a team that can remain united and positive even during tough times.

Purpose-Driven Training Sessions

Every training session under Lijnders has a clear purpose. He believes in hard work but insists that it should always be accompanied by a smile. He encourages his players to give their all in every drill and competition, but also to remain positive and supportive of each other, even when they lose. This positive reinforcement is essential for fostering a strong team spirit. "Work hard but always with a smile on your face," he tells his players.

Lijnders has also introduced activities during pre-season to help players get to know each other better. He firmly believes that a happy team member, whether a player or staff, performs 30% better than an unhappy one. This holistic approach to team-building ensures that everyone in the squad feels valued and motivated.

Building Team Unity

In addition to on-field activities, Lijnders places great importance on building personal connections among his players. He has organized various team-building exercises to foster camaraderie and understanding. His belief is simple: a team that knows each other well off the pitch will play better together on it.

He wants his team to play with pride and joy. By encouraging his players to maintain a positive attitude and to support each other, Lijnders aims to create an environment where everyone is proud to be a part of Red Bull Salzburg. This sense of pride and unity is what he believes will drive his team to success.

Conclusion

As Pep Lijnders leads Red Bull Salzburg into the 2024/25 season, his approach is clear: he wants a team that plays with passion, fire, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His focus on mental resilience, purposeful training, and team unity makes Salzburg one of the most exciting teams to watch this season. Under Lijnders' leadership, the team is poised to become a formidable force, embodying a style of play that is both dynamic and joyful.