In a move that has sent ripples through the football world, Manchester City is poised to welcome a key figure from Liverpool’s recent golden era to their coaching ranks. On May 31, 2025, reports emerged that Pep Guardiola, the mastermind behind City’s four consecutive Premier League titles, has secured the services of Pep Lijnders, the former Liverpool assistant manager who was a cornerstone of Jurgen Klopp’s success at Anfield. This high-profile appointment marks a significant shake-up in City’s backroom staff, as Guardiola seeks to reinvigorate his squad amid a challenging 2024/25 season.
Lijnders, a 42-year-old Dutch tactician, spent nearly a decade as Klopp’s trusted lieutenant, playing a pivotal role in Liverpool’s transformation into a European powerhouse. Known for his tactical acumen and innovative approach, Lijnders was instrumental in crafting the high-pressing, dynamic style that led Liverpool to the 2019 Champions League and 2020 Premier League titles. “I didn’t sign Son from Tottenham, at that time I think he was at Hamburg,” Klopp once reflected on a rare transfer regret, but his faith in Lijnders was unwavering, with the German often praising his assistant’s ability to inspire and organize. Lijnders’ departure from Liverpool alongside Klopp in May 2024 marked the end of an era, but his brief stint as head coach of Red Bull Salzburg—cut short after six months—has now paved the way for a dramatic move to the Etihad.
Guardiola’s decision to bring Lijnders on board comes at a critical juncture. Manchester City, trailing league leaders Liverpool by five points, have struggled to replicate their usual dominance this season. The departure of key coaching staff, including Juanma Lillo, Inigo Dominguez, and set-piece specialist Carlos Vicens, who took the helm at Portuguese club Braga, left gaps in Guardiola’s backroom team. Lijnders, with his proven track record and fresh perspective, is seen as a “major coup” for City, as one observer noted. His expertise in set-piece strategies and player development, honed during Liverpool’s trophy-laden years, is expected to bolster City’s quest to reclaim their throne.
The move is not without its emotional weight for Liverpool fans. Lijnders, who briefly managed NEC Nijmegen in 2018 before returning to Anfield, was a beloved figure on Merseyside, often credited as the “tactical brains” behind Klopp’s gegenpressing system. His work with young talents like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones helped shape Liverpool’s squad, and his departure to a fierce rival like Manchester City stings. Yet, for Guardiola, the appointment reflects his relentless pursuit of excellence. “Honestly, if I would have been a football player, I would love to be his player,” Guardiola said of Klopp in a recent documentary, a sentiment that underscores the respect he holds for the Liverpool era Lijnders helped build.
Lijnders’ arrival is expected to be formalized ahead of City’s Club World Cup campaign in the United States, where Guardiola hopes to leverage his new assistant’s insights to navigate a packed schedule. The Dutchman’s experience in high-stakes competitions, including Liverpool’s epic 2019 Champions League comeback against Barcelona, makes him a valuable asset. That night, when Liverpool overturned a 3-0 deficit to win 4-0 at Anfield, Lijnders’ tactical tweaks were crucial, as Klopp later acknowledged: “Just try or fail in the most beautiful way.” Now, City fans hope Lijnders can inspire similar magic.
For Lijnders, crossing the Liverpool-City divide is a bold step. His short tenure at Salzburg ended abruptly, but his reputation remains intact, with a 65% win rate across his managerial spells. At City, he’ll work alongside a squad boasting stars like Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, but also a team in need of a spark. Omar Marmoush’s recent Premier League Goal of the Season award for his “rocket” against Bournemouth highlights City’s attacking potential, yet their defensive frailties—evident in a recent loss to Aston Villa—demand attention.
As Manchester City prepare to integrate Lijnders, the move underscores the ever-evolving chess game of Premier League rivalries. For Liverpool fans, seeing a Klopp disciple join their arch-rivals is bittersweet, but for City, it’s a statement of intent. With Lijnders’ tactical nous and Guardiola’s vision, the Etihad could soon witness a new chapter of dominance, even as Klopp’s legacy looms large.
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