Pep Lijnders’ Influence: How Man City Are Evolving Under Guardiola

Pep Guardiola was returning from an event supporting Palestine when his assistant, Pep Lijnders, was given the opportunity to articulate the evolving philosophy behind Manchester City. The shift, subtle yet significant, is a blending of tactical ideologies, a merging of Guardiola’s established principles with the high-octane, pressing style honed under Jurgen Klopp.

Lijnders’s coaching pedigree is inextricably linked to Klopp’s “heavy metal” football, a relentless, full-throttle approach. Guardiola, by contrast, has historically favored a more measured tempo, often finding solace in the smooth jazz of Sade during his time with former assistant Domenec Torrent. The appointment of Lijnders wasn’t merely a personnel change; it signaled a deliberate attempt to integrate these contrasting styles.

Guardiola’s inquiry to Klopp last summer, as reported, initiated this process. It wasn’t about replicating Klopp’s system, but about enriching Guardiola’s own with new perspectives. The potential outcome, as Lijnders suggests, is a “super group” of tactical ideas, one ideally suited to the ever-changing demands of the Premier League.

Lijnders recently elaborated on this evolution, speaking in Guardiola’s absence. As a key figure in the club’s rebuild – a rebuild that has seen over £430 million invested in new signings – his insights were keenly anticipated, particularly as initial observations suggested a more “direct” approach from City.

“The mindset of Pep and the idea never changed,” Lijnders clarified. The core principle of dominating possession remains, but the execution is adapting to the realities of the modern game. “The ideal is still death by a thousand passes if at all possible but the way this league is, that is just not achievable anymore.” He explained that opposing teams now employ a dual strategy – pressing high and retreating into a low block – forcing City to adapt to two distinct tactical challenges within a single match. “You have two games in one,” he said.

This adaptation has been a gradual process, extending beyond the current season. City have proactively sought players capable of quick transitions, beginning with the acquisitions of Matheus Nunes, Jeremy Doku, and Mateo Kovacic in the summer of 2023. These players, unlike some of their predecessors, tend to operate in more direct lines, prioritizing forward momentum.

The shift isn’t about abandoning Guardiola’s principles, but about enhancing them. Possession statistics have decreased by nine percent compared to four years ago, when the use of false nines was a hallmark of City’s tactical flexibility. However, this decrease is incremental, not drastic. Direct attacks per match remain broadly consistent, and the “direct speed” – the pace at which City moves towards goal in possession – has only slightly increased. Even the average percentage of long passes, hovering around six percent, is lower than it was in the 2021-22 season.

“It’s more about what teams do to us and how to counter-attack that, basically,” Lijnders explained. “Do we want to attack quick when the pitch is open? Yes. Do we want to play a lot of passes when the pitch is closed? Yes of course, because you need to disorganise them.”

Anfield, recently under the stewardship of both Klopp and now Arne Slot, provided a compelling test case for City’s evolving approach. The 17th-minute move that nearly resulted in a goal exemplified the blend of styles. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, known more for his shot-stopping than his distribution, cleverly drew a press, allowing Abdukodir Khusanov – a player whose ball-playing ability had been questioned – to advance 40 yards. The move opened space, leading to intricate interplay with Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush, ultimately resulting in a blocked shot.

This seamless transition from defense to attack, combining skillful passing in tight spaces with quick, direct movement, is precisely what Guardiola and Lijnders are striving for. The pair, who reportedly shared a padel match with Steven Gerrard prior to the game, embraced the moment. The foundations are being laid, but as Lijnders acknowledges, converting these promising moves into goals remains a work in progress.

Guardiola himself acknowledged this frustration, stating, “In the boxes you have to take a coffee, as a defender and as a striker. And we are so ‘urgh’, all the actions, always arrive one metre before or one metre later, never in the (correct) spot.”

Despite the finishing issues, the underlying principles are taking shape. The two Peps, as they are becoming known, are seeking more moments like those seen at Anfield, moments where their tactical vision translates into tangible results. The evolution is ongoing, and the pursuit of perfection continues.