One of the most fascinating aspects about watching Manchester City in action next season will be to pay attention to how much of a say Pep Lijnders has in Pep Guardiola’s tactical setup.
Lijnders sacrificed his holiday to work with Guardiola after initially being set to head out on vacation with his family.
After being sacked by RB Salzburg, it seems like the Dutchman had a burning desire to return to coaching and doing so at a club of Manchester City’s stature has given him the perfect opportunity to bounce back.
Pep Guardiola lauded Lijnders and admitted that he has been “inspiring” as his assistant manager.
Jurgen Klopp warned Pep Guardiola that Pep Lijnders can get restless
Pep Lijnders seems not to be hesitating to make his voice heard behind the scenes, as was the case when he was Jurgen Klopp’s assistant manager at Liverpool.
Lijnders has been barking orders at Manchester City, urging the players to increase their tempo of passing in training.
The Mirror has revealed that when Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp spoke about the 42-year-old before his move to the Etihad Stadium, the German warned him that his former colleagues becomes “restless” if asked to merely put out the cones in training.
However, with Guardiola highlighting Lijnders’ influence behind the scenes, it seems like he taken Klopp’s advice on board and made his right-hand man feel as involved as possible.
Pep Guardiola initially wanted to appoint someone else instead of Pep Lijnders
Jeremy Doku’s impressive performances recently seem to be influenced by the renowned coach, who appears to have tasked the Belgian to make more runs in behind.
Manchester City employed Liverpool’s pressing scheme against Wydad, with Pep Guardiola’s side setting up in a 4-2-4 shape from the front as well.
Interestingly, Guardiola wished to appoint Carlos Vicens as his assistant but considering he chose to manage Braga, he opted for Klopp’s famous confidant in Pep Lijnders at Manchester City.
City fans will be hoping that Lijnders proves to be the best-possible replacement for Juanma Lillo.
