Pep Lijnders to Man City: Klopp’s Ex-Assistant Moves to Rivals
Pep Lijnders, Jürgen Klopp’s former right-hand man, is on teh verge of joining Manchester City. this potential move sees the former Liverpool assistant replace Juanma lilo in Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff,a strategic shift that could significantly impact the team’s dynamics.Sources confirm positive talks, as Manchester City aims too announce Lijnders’s addition soon, signaling a keen interest in his tactical acumen. Beyond this, the club eyes Lyon’s Rayan Cherki. News Directory 3 has the latest on team changes. Discover what’s next for Manchester City as they gear up for their upcoming tournaments and training camps.
Manchester City Eyes Pep Lijnders for Guardiola’s Coaching Staff
Updated June 2, 2025
Manchester City is reportedly close to securing a deal with pep Lijnders, formerly Jürgen Klopp’s assistant at Liverpool, to bolster Pep Guardiola’s backroom staff.Sources indicate that Lijnders is slated to take over from Juanma Lilo,whose contract with the club expires this summer. This potential move highlights Manchester City’s strategic planning for the upcoming season.
Along with Lilo’s departure, Íñigo Domínguez is also leaving his assistant role. Carlos Vicens, the set-piece coach, is set to become head coach for Braga, a Portuguese team. Discussions with Lijnders have progressed positively,and the club aims to announce his addition once other staffing arrangements are finalized. The arrival of Lijnders could bring fresh perspectives to Manchester City’s training and tactics.

Lijnders’s career includes a stint with Liverpool, joining under Brendan Rodgers in 2014 and continuing under Klopp from 2015. He briefly coached NEC in the Netherlands in 2018 before returning to Liverpool six months later. After announcing his departure from Liverpool alongside Klopp last summer, he took the head coach position at Red Bull Salzburg but was dismissed in December after just 29 games. His experience makes him a valuable asset for Manchester City.
Separately, Manchester City is reportedly considering a move for Lyon forward Rayan Cherki. The 21-year-old is seen as an alternative to Florian Wirtz, who is rumored to be nearing a transfer to Liverpool. The club also has interest in Nottingham forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White. Furthermore, City hopes to finalize a deal for AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders before the FIFA Club World Cup. These potential acquisitions reflect manchester City’s ambition to strengthen its squad.
Clubs can sign players between June 1 and June 10 before the Club World Cup in the United states. Guardiola and players not involved in international matches are scheduled to return to training on June 9. The team is expected to travel to their training camp in florida on June 12,ahead of their opening match against Wydad AC in Philadelphia on June 18.
What’s next
Manchester City will focus on finalizing its coaching staff and player acquisitions in readiness for upcoming tournaments and training camps. The team aims to integrate new members quickly to maintain its competitive edge.
