Pep Lijnders, who was Jurgen Klopp's assistant at Liverpool, joined Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, and he remains very highly rated by the Etihad side before a summer of change
14:46, 22 May 2026Updated 14:57, 22 May 2026
Manchester City assistant coach Pep Lijnders used to work for Liverpool
Manchester City assistant coach Pep Lijnders used to work for Liverpool(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
It is, unquestionably, the end of an era. After years of battling with Liverpool, in particular, during his time in the Premier League, Pep Guardiola has emotionally announced his exit.
The news broke, really, a few days ago, but ahead of Manchester City playing Aston Villa this weekend, Guardiola has made things official. In a teary video, he confirmed that he would be departing after 10 years at the club. The revamped North Stand at the Etihad Stadium will be named in his honor.
Enzo Maresca, the former Chelsea manager, is expected to take over from Guardiola. He has previously worked for the club's U21s team. But what of Pep Lijnders, the man who was Guardiola's assistant?
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Lijnders, according to the Daily Mail, has been offered a new deal at Manchester City. The Etihad side hoped to keep him so he could act as a bridge between the Guardiola era and the new one, though The Athletic reports he is likely to turn it down.
Having left Liverpool to become a number one, things didn't work out for Jurgen Klopp's old right-hand man at Red Bull Salzburg. Under Guardiola, though, he has restored his reputation again.
Lijnders remains a very highly rated coach and would have plenty to offer. After a couple of stints doing his own thing failed, he might be best served staying as a number two.
Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City at the end of the season
Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City at the end of the season(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
"What a time we have had together," Guardiola said as his exit was confirmed. "Don’t ask me the reasons I’m leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it’s my time.
"Nothing is eternal; if it was, I would be here. Eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City.
"This is a city built from work. From graft. You see it in the color of the bricks. From people who clocked in early, stayed late. The factories. The Pankhursts. The unions. The music. Simply the Industrial Revolution and how this changed the world. And I think I grew to understand that, and my teams did too.
"We worked. We suffered. We fought. And we did things our own way. Our way.
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"Hard work comes in many forms. Trips to Bournemouth, when we lost the Premier League, and you were there. Trips to Istanbul, when you were there, too.
"Remember, the Manchester Arena attack, when this city showed the world what strength actually looks like? Not anger. Not fear. Just love. Community. Togetherness. A city united.
"Remember, losing my mum during COVID and feeling this club carry me through it. The fans, the staff, the people of Manchester, you gave me strength when I needed it most. Cris, my kids, my whole family, you were there as always. Khaldoon, you were there too.
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"Players don’t forget — every single instant, moment, me, my staff, this club, everything. What we have done, we have done it for all of you. And you have been just exceptional. You don’t know it yet, but you are leaving a legacy."