Pep Lijnders appointed as new assistant coach at Manchester City

Manchester City have confirmed the appointment of Pep Lijnders as their new assistant coach.

The 42-year-old joins Pep Guardiola’s first team coaching set-up alongside James French, who also joins as set-piece coach.

Following an underwhelming 2024/25 campaign, Guardiola is reshaping his backroom team.

Lijnders spent nine-and-a-half years at Anfield across two spells under Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp, but now he is set to join their domestic rivals.

The Dutch coach left Liverpool alongside Klopp in 2023 to take over as head coach at Austrian side RB Salzburg.

However, after a poor start to the season, he was sacked in December and is now returning to a coaching role under a manager.

Lijnders reportedly held talks with Norwich City regarding their vacant head coach position.

However, following the departures of Juanma Lillo, Carlos Vicens, and Inigo Domínguez from Manchester City’s coaching staff, Lijnders is now heading back to the Premier League’s top club.

Manchester City will begin their Club World Cup campaign against Wydad AC in Philadelphia next month before facing Al Ain and Juventus in the group stage.

Commenting on the appointments, Director of Football Hugo Viana said: “We are all delighted that Pepijn and James have joined our senior coaching set-up.

“Pepijn and James have each amassed huge experience working in their individual roles over the past few years.

“Their talent, application, work ethic and all-round commitment are totally aligned with the values that underpin how Pep wants football to be played.

“And I have no doubt at all that both will prove to be very important assets for Pep and his coaching team as we prepare for the Club World Cup and then the 2025/26 season.”