After much speculation, Pep Lijnders has officially completed his move to Manchester City to become Pep Guardiola’s new assistant coach. The 42-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as an integral part of Liverpool’s coaching staff under Jürgen Klopp.
Lijnders’ own story in professional football started when he joined Liverpool in 2014 under Brendan Rodgers. His tactical acumen soon saw him climb the ranks and he landed the role of Klopp’s right-hand man in 2015. While at Anfield, he truly helped lead the club to great heights. His contributions were integral to winning both the Premier League title and the UEFA Champions League trophy. At the end of the 2023/24 season, Lijnders left Liverpool with Klopp.
After leaving Liverpool, Lijnders became manager of Red Bull Salzburg, staying there until December 2024. During his time at Salzburg, he would display his strong leadership of a team on the field. That experience quickly returned him to the Premier League after a short-lived detour. In 2018, Lijnders left Anfield for a short stint as head coach of NEC in the Eredivisie. Sadly, he was sacked at the conclusion of the 2017/18 season. All of this drove him to come back to Liverpool.
Lijnders’ arrival at Manchester City comes amid significant changes within Guardiola’s coaching staff. Remember, the club had to weather the loss of most of the club’s top assistants at the end of last season. Bad exits featured Juanma Lillo, Inigo Dominguez and Carlos Vicens. On the day of the Lijnders appointment, the RFU confirmed James French as a new set-piece coach, as part of a stretched and diluted coaching team. Like Lijnders, French has extensive history at Liverpool, which adds to the familiarity and cohesion already present within staff.
Manchester City prepare for a huge 2023 season. They’ll all be better off for having Lijnders’ experience, creative approach to coaching and track record of success on their side. His wealth of knowledge regarding the Premier League and experience dealing with high-pressure situations should only serve to reinforce Guardiola’s already successful dynasty.
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