Pepijn Lijnders, formerly assistant manager to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, is reportedly close to joining Manchester City as Pep Guardiola`s new assistant. The 42-year-old has been without a job since being dismissed from his role as RB Salzburg manager last December. He had taken the position in Austria after departing Liverpool alongside Klopp.
Lijnders served as Klopp`s assistant at Liverpool for a total of nine years, across two periods. During his time at Anfield, he was part of the coaching staff as the Reds competed fiercely with Guardiola`s City for the Premier League title.
According to reports from The Times, Lijnders is now poised to join the coaching setup of his former rivals. The report suggests he will work closely with Guardiola, filling a void left by the departure of three members of the Spaniard`s backroom staff. This follows the departures of Juanma Lillo, Inigo Dominguez, and Carlos Vicens, with Vicens leaving to manage SC Braga in Portugal.
Earlier this month, Lijnders was reportedly considered for the head coach position at Norwich City. Norwich sacked Johannes Hoff Thorup and decided against appointing caretaker boss Jack Wilshere permanently. Lijnders was interviewed, but Norwich ultimately chose Liam Manning from Bristol City.
The former Liverpool assistant is expected to link up with City ahead of next month`s Club World Cup.
Pep Guardiola recently stated regarding a squad issue, “I will quit” – it is “impossible for my soul.”
Former City defender Kolo Toure was also reportedly among the candidates considered for a backroom role. Toure has been working with the club`s Under-18 squad. The 44-year-old Ivorian has previous first-team coaching experience with Brendan Rodgers at Celtic and Leicester City. He also had a brief spell as manager of Wigan Athletic.
