Salzburg, Austria — The Austrian football club has officially appointed Thomas Letsch as its new head coach in an effort to revamp the team’s performance, especially with the upcoming Club World Cup next year and the imminent arrival of Jürgen Klopp as the new leader of soccer operations for the Red Bull consortium.

Letsch has agreed to a contract that extends through 2027, stepping in to replace Pepijn Lijnders, who was let go on Monday. Lijnders, who was an assistant coach to Klopp during their time at Liverpool, faced dismissal as the club found itself 10 points adrift at the top of the Austrian league and is facing challenges in progressing through the Champions League.

In a statement released regarding the coaching change, Rouven Schröder, managing director of sport for Salzburg, emphasized the importance of swiftly filling the coaching role. This allows the team to strategize for a successful remainder of the season without unnecessary delays.

Salzburg’s participation in the Club World Cup is based on their previous achievements, and they have been drawn into a tough group that includes Real Madrid, the Saudi Arabian team Al-Hilal, and Mexico’s Pachuca.

The club boasts an impressive history, having secured ten consecutive Austrian titles before losing the championship to Sturm Graz last season.

Letsch previously managed the German club Bochum, which he left after being dismissed in April. Notably, the 56-year-old has a connection to Salzburg, having worked there as a youth coach earlier in his career and briefly served as caretaker manager for two matches in 2015.

As for Klopp, he is expected to commence his new role for the Red Bull group of clubs starting on January 1.