Pep Guardiola Adds Liverpool’s Pepijn lijnders to Manchester city Staff
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has appointed Pepijn Lijnders, formerly an assistant manager at Liverpool, to his coaching staff. The move, revealed in recent interviews and reports, signals Guardiola’s desire to inject new ideas and intensity into his team following a third-place finish in the previous season.
The appointment was first noted by Jamie Carragher on Twitter on august 18, 2025.
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– Jamie carragher (@Carra23) August 18, 2025
Lijnders’ influence was already apparent in Liverpool’s style of play, described as “very Liverpool-like” by Carragher during Sky Sports coverage of their win against Wolves and further demonstrated in their 2-0 defeat to Tottenham.
Guardiola explained his decision-making process in an interview with Sky Sports’ One on One Podcast, stating he sought “something that maybe we didn’t have” after last season. He emphasized his respect for Lijnders’ long-standing relationship with jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager. “I know [him] from many, many years with Jurgen,” Guardiola said. “And I thought, ‘Okay, if he has been many, many years with Jurgen, this guy must be good!'”
Lijnders previously held positions at Salzburg in addition to his extensive work with Liverpool. Guardiola highlighted Lijnders’ managerial experience and expressed a quick connection.”We talked just one day and I said I would like to [work] with you. Sometimes I have decisions that come from the feelings,” Guardiola stated.
“I knew Liverpool played outstanding in the decade we have been together. I think he can give us something that maybe we didn’t have in the last season in terms of rhythm, intensity, in terms of another vision of football.” Guardiola also noted his hands-off management style,saying,”I give amazing space to do what they believe they have to do.”
The agreement came swiftly. “I think we needed one phone call. And I said, ‘okay, let’s do it. Let’s go together.’ That’s the way it was.”
While the full impact of lijnders’ arrival remains to be seen, Guardiola’s continued preference for a high defensive line could present opportunities for opposing teams. Liverpool’s first match against Guardiola’s Manchester City is scheduled for November 8 at the Etihad Stadium.
