Pep Guardiola has revealed the impression new assistant manager Pep Lijnders has already made on him since arriving at Manchester City.
Guardiola has spoken out about the impact Lijnders has had since his arrival at City earlier in June, as the former Liverpool assistant and Red Bull Salzburg manager joined the Spaniard’s staff ahead of the Club World Cup.
Lijnders spent two spells at Liverpool, initially joining under Brendan Rodgers in 2014 then, most notably, returning for a six-year spell in 2018 which included Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup glory alongside Jurgen Klopp.
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Guardiola said on namesake Lijnders: “He’s opened my eyes in many and a few things in a short time.
“It’s happened for many years from all the assistant managers I’ve had; always I try to drink from their knowledge!
“I need the people like last season with Juanma [Lillo], in the past with Mikel [Arteta], with Enzo [Maresca], with Dome [Torrent], with Rodo [Borrell] – all the assistants help me.
“Always it’s, ‘What is your opinion? What would you do? How would you do it? What drill will you make?’
“That is what it’s all about, it’s nice, and now we have experience with Kolo [Toure], with James [French], with Pep [Lijnders], and every time he adds something, I say, ‘Wow! This could be good!
“We could make this step, we can be better’, and that is how the world works!
“Not just all the time the same, you have to open your mind, and be open to other minds, other people!”
City’s new dugout pairing will hope to lead the Sky Blues to Club World Cup glory this summer, with their next task a last-16 tie with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
After a strong group stage showing which included the 5-2 thumping of Juventus last time out, Guardiola and Lijnders will be confident that their side can go all the way.
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Focus will soon turn to the Premier League, after a strong summer transfer window so far has only increased the belief that the Citizens will push Lijnders’ old club Liverpool all the way in 2025/26 – though Guardiola has expressed worry that the Club World Cup could “destroy” City’s season.
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