Manchester City are in the process of revamping things at the club this year, from the playing squad to the coaching staff and even in the boardroom.
In terms of players, Manchester City made a host of top signings in January and are now pushing to sign Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki this summer.
In the boardroom, Hugo Viana became director of football in April, and he’ll be working alongside Txiki Begiristain this summer before the latter leaves.
And as for the coaching department, Carlos Vicens has become manager of Braga, while Juanma Lillo and Inigo Dominguez will leave when their contracts expire in June.
Now, a report has emerged which City fans have welcomed – indeed, some feel it could turn them into a force to be reckoned with next season.
Manchester City fans happy to hear Pep Lijnders is set to join coaching team
Earlier this week, Pep Lijnders and Kolo Toure were both linked with coaching roles at City, before Fabrizio Romano claimed Lijnders is now Etihad-bound.
The report has gone down well with City fans, who feel getting their hands on Liverpool’s former assistant manager – not to mention a pressing and counter-attacking aficionado – is quite a coup.
One fan wrote on X: “Bro! I am more gassed with this news than the signings. I cant believe it!”
Another said: “Yeah, we need someone to teach Pep pressing mechanisms because our press is a joke.”
The praise kept coming, with one fan writing: “Omg. We can finally counter-attack with him.”
Another said: “If I’m not wrong Lijnders basically carried Klopp for 2 years straight right?”
Another said, in response to someone criticising Lijnders’ Salzburg spell: “Bro, Lijnders’ ideology will breathe fresh life and give Pep ideas.
“I suppose you’re basing this off of his Salzburg stint – not every team can execute a manager’s ideas and City will be perfectly capable.”
Why Pep Lijnders is a great shout for Manchester City
Lijnders was one of the best-known assistant managers in the Premier League when he was at Liverpool.
He sometimes took press conferences in Klopp’s place – he’d sometimes step in for the German before Carabao Cup games.
Lijnders took in two spells at Liverpool between 2014 and 2024, either side of a short stint managing NEC in the Dutch second tier.
In his second spell, Lijnders helped Liverpool win their sixth Champions League, along with their first Premier League-era title and the Club World Cup.
“The most influential guy in the last years definitely in this club was Pep Lijnders,” Klopp previously said of Lijnders.
“The job he did is absolutely exceptional. The inspiration he is for me is absolutely exceptional.
“The relationship we grew is absolutely exceptional. Outstanding, everything.”
In terms of his coaching style, The Football Analyst wrote last year: ‘Pepijn Lijnders’ tactical approach at RB Salzburg emphasizes high-intensity pressing, fluid attacking play, and quick transitions, hallmarks of his football philosophy.
‘His ability to implement an aggressive, dynamic style of play has transformed Salzburg into a team that thrives on collective energy and tactical intelligence.
‘By using high pressing, overloads in key areas, and fluid formations, Lijnders has crafted a system that is both exciting and effective.’
