Cole Palmer reportedly had a very good relationship with Juanma Lillo, who could be set to make a return to Manchester City.
Lillo spent a couple of years at the Etihad Stadium as Pep Guardiola’s assistant from 2020 to 2022.
Lillo had replaced Mikel Arteta, but then left a couple of years later to become the head coach of Al Sadd in Qatar.
Just recently, there have been reports that Lillo could be set to make a return to City.
The Athletic reported in June that City were working to bring him back.
Lillo is under contract for one more year at Al Sadd, and it is thought there is a clause that must be triggered in order for him to leave.
It remains to be seen if that will happen.
And there could be one City player who’ll be particularly happy if it does.
Cole Palmer had a great relationship with Juanma Lillo
Lillo was mentioned on the latest episode of the Let Me talk podcast.
Journalist Sam Lee was speaking about the potential options for City with regards to replacing Riyad Mahrez on the right wing.
He has stated that it’s possible Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden could be the main two vying for the position.
But he then mentioned Palmer, saying: “But also they were saying about how Cole Palmer had a really good relationship with Juanma Lillo. If Lillo comes back, maybe that helps Palmer and so maybe he’s an option for the right wing. And then Bernardo can stay in the middle.”
Palmer will hope Mahrez exit could be his catalyst – and Lillo return could help him
Palmer will no doubt be hoping that his chance will come now that Mahrez has left the club.
Palmer is a very talented young player and there are times where he looks like he is really ready to come ‘another Foden’ for City.
But the consistency hasn’t quite been there with him. And that’s probably down to not being able to get a run in the team because there are many world-class players in the positions he can play.
Mahrez going may well help his cause though. Especially if Pep wants Bernardo or Foden to mainly play in the middle.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Lillo – a man Guardiola previously stated had ‘a special sense’ for seeing things he cannot’
Quite possibly, this might be something that allows Palmer to really hone his skills and finally break into the team.
