A new era finally started today at FC Red Bull Salzburg! After our first pre-season training session, Pep Lijnders answered the questions of the assembled media at an introductory press conference. We have summarised all the best bits from our new coach here.

It is a special moment for me! I am really proud to be the Salzburg coach. Everyone in world football knows that this is a club that produces talent, has a clear identity and has a really strong academy - I am really happy to be here!

Pep's first words

In the first place, I have to say something about the city - wow, it's impressive! I came here a week early on purpose so I could go around and see the city. It's beautiful, classic and so clean as well. I am really happy that I can represent this city and this club.

After a walk through the old town

This academy is so strong, it is probably one of the top four in the world of football. I've been there already, and it's impressive, with the building and the amount of players. When Jürgen [Klopp] asked me in October of November last year what I wanted, the only thing I said was that I want a club with a strong academy. Young players will run through walls for you, while older players might look for the gap in the wall.

On young footballers

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I love the pitch! My passion is to work with players and to help them to become the best versions of themselves. I'm also a simple guy, though. I've learnt that the most simple ideas are also the best ones and you don't need to reinvent things in football.

On doing what he loves

It was important that our players feel immediately that our identity is intensity! I spoke to the team to make really clear how we want to play, to have the ball in the opponents' half and if we lose it, we want to win it back, and for that we have to press really well.

Aiming for excitement

My family and I have been really warmly welcomed. After my family left Salzburg, my ten-year-old son said 'I miss Salzburg already'. From that moment, I knew this was right.

Keeping the children happy

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I have been following Salzburg for a long time. It's important they fit with my ideas and style. My heart from the start said Salzburg. I have come here to create a team that can surprise a lot of people - that is the target!

Always on the radar

I want eleven captains, that's the main thing. Everyone has to own the responsibility on and off the pitch. I spoke to the team that we want to create a leadership group of five players who act as a face of the team. It's important that the actual captain represents the club in the best possible way and has a really good relationship with myself.

Leading with conviction

I am a loyal guy. I spent five years at PSV, seven at Porto and ten at Liverpool. If you go into a project together, in my opinion the main thing you have to show together is loyalty. In football and in life, you don't know what the next day will bring, but I am really invested with a lot of passion and belief for this season and next season.

A man with principles

Did you miss the first press conference with our new coach? No problem, you can watch it again here!

"Our identity is intensity!"