Pepijn Lijnders could possibly be dealing with a essential state of affairs at Salzburg already, with sources in Austria claiming the squad are sad together with his use of Stefan Bajcetic.
Bajcetic joined Salzburg on the finish of the summer time switch window, and his debut for the Austrian aspect was delayed additional by his look ahead to a visa.
Since then, although, the Liverpool loanee has been a key participant, beginning three of the 5 video games he has been accessible for and coming off the bench in one other.
The one sport he has sat out was in opposition to third-tier SC Wiener Viktoria within the OFB-Cup, with it clear that Bajcetic is one in every of Lijnders’ favourites.
It ought to come as no shock that the Dutchman, who left Liverpool to take over Salzburg after Jurgen Klopp‘s exit, holds each Bajcetic and everlasting signing Bobby Clark in excessive regard.
However in keeping with Austrian newspaper the Krone, his choice for the duo has led to “astonishment” from their teammates.
It’s claimed that they “haven’t but impressed in sporting phrases,” and “some gamers have not too long ago been puzzled about beginning XI call-ups.”
This comes after right-back Amar Dedic instructed reporters after the 4-0 loss to Brest within the Champions League in midweek that: “I received’t say the explanations now, however there are definitely causes.”
Salzburg earned their place within the Champions League correct after overcoming FC Twente and Dynamo Kyiv within the qualifiers, each of which Bajcetic and Clark weren’t concerned for.
Their swift set up to the beginning lineup for the league section opener in opposition to Sparta Prague – a 3-0 defeat – has seemingly pissed off a few of their friends.
Clark has began each video games in opposition to Sparta and Brest whereas coming off the bench within the two league fixtures in opposition to WSG Tirol and Austrian Wien, in addition to enjoying the total 90 minutes within the cup win over Wiener Viktoria.
Lijnders below strain already
Whereas the Krone‘s report might indicate animosity in direction of Bajcetic and Clark themselves, it’s extra possible that the onus falls on Lijnders as an alternative.
A well-liked appointment upon his arrival in Austria earlier in the summertime, a depressing begin to the Champions League marketing campaign – sitting thirty fourth within the 36-team desk – has already led to doubts over his future.
Bajcetic’s standing as a Liverpool participant, and Lijnders’ long-standing relationship with each him and Clark, was all the time more likely to result in strategies of bias if issues didn’t pan out as hoped.
The hope will probably be that every one concerned can flip a nook swiftly, as in idea it’s a setup which ought to profit Liverpool and their loanee significantly.
