Pep Lijnders set to join Pep Guardiola's coaching staff at Man City

Former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders is on the verge of joining Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff at Manchester City, just a year after leaving the Reds.

Following an underwhelming 2024/25 campaign, Guardiola is reshaping his backroom team, with Lijnders among the fresh faces heading to the Etihad Stadium, according to The Athletic.

The Dutch coach 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.

Lijnders left Liverpool alongside Klopp last summer 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.

Earlier this month, 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.

Lijnders left Liverpool alongside Klopp last summer to take over as head coach at Austrian side RB Salzburg

A club statement read: “Assistant Coaches Juanma Lillo and Inigo Dominguez will leave Manchester City upon expiry of their contracts.

“Carlos Vicens has also departed the Club after agreeing to become the Head Coach of Portuguese side S.C Braga.

“The assistant coaches to succeed Juanma, Inigo and Carlos will be announced in due course.”

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.