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Man City Appoint Former Liverpool Tactician Pep Lijnders: Jurgen Klopp’s Ex-Assistant to Work With Pep Guardiola at Club World Cup 414h

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Sushan Chakraborty
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Sushan Chakraborty Sports Editor

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Published23 hours ago on June 10, 2025

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Pep Guardiola has brought Jurgen Klopp’s former assistant coach, Pep Lijnders, to Manchester City ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. 

In addition to Lijnders, Man City have also appointed James French as set-piece coach. French also worked with Klopp at Liverpool.

The 2024/25 season was not kind to Pep Guardiola’s Man City. The Cityzens failed to win any major silverware, marking their first trophyless campaign since the first season of Guardiola’s tenure.

Man City are eyeing a return to form at the Club World Cup. And on Tuesday (June 10), they delivered another statement of intent.

Pep Lijnders s Man City Ahead of FIFA Club World Cup 4166o

Via their official website, Manchester City confirmed the double appointment of Pep Lijnders and James French. Both will Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff as they vie to win the inaugural Club World Cup.

Announcing the new arrivals, Director of Football Hugo Viana said:

“We are all delighted that Pepijn and James have ed our senior coaching set-up.

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

He added:

“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.”

Man City have also been thriving in the transfer market. They have signed Rayan Ait-Nouri, agreed a deal for Tijjani Reijnders, and reportedly have the Rayan Cherki transfer in the bag.

With so much firepower, Man City will kick off the 2025 Club World Cup campaign as one of the outright favourites.

Pep Lijnders Brings a Wealth of Experience to the Etihad Stadium 9n2s

Domenec Torrent, Mikel Arteta, Rodolfo Borrell, Lillo, and Enzo Maresca — Pep Guardiola has had his fair share of assistants over the years. All have contributed to Man City’s success, helping them become the most dominant team in England.

Following a disappointing campaign, Guardiola needs a shake-up. Pep Lijnders’ Man City appointment comes with that promise, of the excitement of new ideas.

The 42-year-old tactician began his coaching career in 2002, working in PSV Eindhoven’s youth academy before moving to FC Porto.

Lijnders got his taste of Premier League football in 2014, as he became a part of Liverpool’s backroom staff. After Jurgen Klopp took charge, Lijnders started working directly under him. He left Anfield in January 2018, taking charge of NEC Nijmegen. But his stay was brief, as he returned to England in May.

Lijnders worked as Klopp’s assistant until his departure at the end of the 2023/24 season. Across two spells, he assisted the German tactician in 464 games, winning the Champions League and the Premier League title, among other honours.

Lijnders’ last spell took him to RB Salzburg. While he had his moments, he could not live up to expectations. He lost his job in December 2024.

As an assistant manager, Lijnders is one of the best in the business. Considering his familiarity with the league and tactical know-how, he could be a massive asset for Man City going forward.