Pep Ljinders joins coaching staff at City

James French also added to backroom team as set-piece coach

Pep Ljinders has been confirmed as Pep Guardiola's new assistant coach. The 42-year-old had served as Jurgen Klopp's number two at Liverpool for almost a decade, before taking over as manager of RB Salzburg.

The Dutchman has signed a one-year deal with an option of a further twelve months, and is joined at The Etihad by James French, another ex-Liverpool employee. French joins the coaching staff as a set-piece specialist.

Juanma Lillo, Carlos Vicens and Inigo Dominguez all left City last month as part of a backroom shake-up ahead of the new season.

Director of Football Hugo Viana said: “We are all delighted that Pepijn and James have joined our senior coaching set-up.

“Pepijn and James have each amassed huge experience working in their individual roles over the past few years.

“Their talent, application, work ethic and all-round commitment are totally aligned with the values that underpin how Pep wants football to be played.

“And I have no doubt at all that both will prove to be very important assets for Pep and his coaching team as we prepare for the Club World Cup and then the 2025/26 season.”