Manchester City have confirmed the appointment of Pep Lijnders to their backroom staff, as two former Liverpool coaches join Pep Guardiola’s ranks in a reshuffle ahead of the new campaign.

Lijnders, a trusted lieutenant of Jürgen Klopp during Liverpool’s recent golden era, joins the Etihad outfit following a brief managerial stint at RB Salzburg. His tenure at Liverpool was instrumental in the club’s success between 2018 and 2022, including securing the 2019 UEFA Champions League and the long-awaited Premier League title in 2020 — the club’s first in 30 years.

Now, in a twist of fate, Lijnders has returned to the Premier League — but this time on the opposite side of the fierce rivalry that defined much of his recent coaching career.

He is joined by fellow former Liverpool staff member James French, who has been recruited as an opposition analyst. French moves directly from Merseyside, bringing over a decade of experience to City’s analytical setup.

The double appointment follows a significant overhaul of City’s coaching staff at the end of the 2024/25 season. Long-serving assistants Juan Manuel Lillo and Iñigo Domínguez, along with set-piece specialist Carlos Vicens, all departed, prompting a restructure of Guardiola’s inner circle.

Lijnders arrives with an impressive pedigree and will fill one of the key gaps left by the departing coaches. This marks his first assistant managerial position since leaving Liverpool alongside Klopp in 2024. The Dutchman’s deep understanding of elite-level football and familiarity with high-pressing, possession-based systems is expected to complement Guardiola’s tactical framework seamlessly — particularly as City look to bounce back from a rare trophyless season.

Meanwhile, James French will assume a critical behind-the-scenes role, leveraging his vast experience to provide detailed opposition analysis. The 37-year-old began his professional journey at Swansea City before working with the Football Association of Wales, and his recent decade-long tenure at Liverpool underlines his tactical acumen.

Both Lijnders and French are set to be integrated into City’s backroom staff in time for the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on 14 June. Their arrivals signal City’s intent to recalibrate and reignite their pursuit of silverware following a disappointing campaign.