It has been claimed that Pep Guardiola has dropped a hint about the possibility of Juanma Lillo returning to Manchester City next season.
This comes from journalist Jack Gaughan about the Al Sadd boss, who replaced Mikel Arteta as City’s assistant coach from 2020 to 2022.
Now, it has been revealed that Pep Guardiola has actually suggested that Juanma Lillo could become a part of his backroom staff at Manchester City.
Jack Gaughan: Pep Guardiola has hinted that Juanma Lillo could make Manchester City return as assistant coach
In July, it was reported that the Spaniard, branded as a ‘genius’ by These Football Times could make a return to the Etihad Stadium, where he is unanimously adored by the club’s fanbase.
The Sky Blues boss even admitted on Tuesday that he has plans in mind regarding which coach could be brought in to replace Enzo Maresca as part of his backroom staff, after he left to manage Leicester City.
Now, Jack Gaughan has claimed that as Pep Guardiola simply said that Juanma Lillo is ‘under contract’ at Al Sadd, he may have hinted that a payoff would be required for him to make his way back to Manchester City.
The return of Juanma Lillo would be a welcome addition
Considering the treble-winners have already lost Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona, and could potentially also be forced to sell big-names like Kyle Walker, Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva and Aymeric Laporte, tons of experience could be leaving the blue side of Manchester.
As a result, Manchester City could be aided by the 57-year-old’s return, due to his time at the club and know-how on how to work alongside Pep Guardiola to win silverware.
Lillo is known to be extremely respected by Guardiola himself as well as most of the players at the club, whose coaching acumen and winning mentality could reinforce the standards expected to win on multiple fronts once again in the upcoming campaign.
