Liverpool and Manchester City have been fierce rivals for many years and that looks set to continue.
After years of coming so close, Liverpool finally got their hands on their 20th league title, although, for once, they weren’t neck and neck with Manchester City.
Instead, Pep Guardiola’s side endured a trophyless season for the first time since 2017, something that happens once in a blue moon and will likely change next season.
As you would imagine, City are already putting in the groundwork and they have started by appointing a new assistant manager, with Jurgen Klopp’s ex right-hand man Pep Lijnders the man they went for.
This surprising move has not gone down particularly well among the Liverpool fanbase, although opinions may change when they realise the part Klopp played in this move happening.
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Photo by Marcel Engelbrecht - firo sportphoto/Getty Images
Photo by Marcel Engelbrecht – firo sportphoto/Getty Images
Pep Guardiola received a glowing review from Jurgen Klopp
Not many have made the switch between the two clubs and especially not in the last few years, with Lijnders one of the first to do so since their rivalry properly developed.
However, there are no ill feelings on Liverpool’s side and, in fact, many associated with the club actually helped the move happen.
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🚨🔵 Official, exclusive story confirmed. Pep Lijnders has been appointed as new Man City assistant coach.
James French also signs in as set-piece coach. pic.twitter.com/qsK3UYPZiJ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 10, 2025
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According to The Athletic, Guardiola rang Klopp to ask him about Lijnders, with the German giving him plenty of positive feedback that made the City manager even more keen to bring him in.
Lijnders then rang Klopp, and Arne Slot, out of respect to tell him that he has decided to make the switch to the Etihad, with neither of them displaying a negative reaction.
President of Liverpool’s owners FSG, Mike Gordon, also rang Lijnders after hearing about the decision and reassured him that they would always appreciate his contribution to the club.
If that isn’t enough to sway Reds fans and suggest that this move isn’t all bad after all, Guardiola also received a glowing review from former Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana when City travelled to St Mary’s on May 10th, proving how those associated with the club were also on-board with the idea.
What has Pep Lijnders been up to since leaving Liverpool?
Since leaving Liverpool at the same time as Klopp, the Dutchman got his first taste as a proper manager at a top club after taking charge of Austrian side RB Salzburg.
However, after just seven months and 28 games in charge, he was relieved of his duties as Salzburg sat 10 points off the top of a league they usually win.
Games managed Wins Draws Losses
28 13 7 8
Pep Lijnder’s RB Salzburg record – Stats from Transfermarkt and correct as of 10/05/25
Despite saying he would “not assist anyone else” other than Klopp, his failed stint as a manager will likely be the reason why he has gone back to being second in command.
The move may not be ideal for Liverpool fans, but after hearing what the club did for Lijnders regarding his move to City, it is hard to be too frustrated at his decision.