Pep Lijnders Set to Join Manchester City Coaching Staff

Manchester City are getting ready for big changes. Former Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders is about to join Pep Guardiola for the new season.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Pep Lijnders is set to be a key addition to Guardiola’s team. Three of Guardiola’s top assistants — Juanma Lillo, Inigo Dominguez, and Carlos Vicens — have left the club. Lijnders spent many years working with Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and had a short time as Salzburg head coach. He is now moving to the Etihad. Kolo Touré, who coaches City’s under-18s, might also get promoted to the senior team.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

This move brings two of football’s most respected coaches together. Lijnders helped Liverpool win the Premier League and Champions League before trying to manage Salzburg. Manchester City finished the 2024/25 season without a major trophy for the first time in eight years. With Guardiola’s staff changing and the Club World Cup coming soon, adding Lijnders is seen as a big step to help the club succeed again.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR CITY AND LIJNDERS?

Manchester City are looking at a busy summer and an important new season. They need to prepare for the FIFA Club World Cup in June. They enter as English champions, but not as European champions this time. In the Premier League, City finished second, five points behind champions Arsenal. Liverpool were third. With Lijnders joining, Guardiola’s staff want to re-energize the team and win top honors again. For Lijnders, it’s a chance to work under two of football’s greatest managers, having been Klopp’s assistant before moving to City.