As Manchester City gear up for a major reset after a rare trophyless season, Pep Guardiola isn’t just tweaking his squad—he’s reaching deep into the coaching benches of rivals for inspiration.
In a move that’s raised plenty of eyebrows, Guardiola has already secured two key names from Liverpool’s backroom, signaling a big shake-up behind the scenes at the Etihad.
James French Set to Join City After Over a Decade at Liverpool
The latest to jump ship is James French, Liverpool’s long-serving head of opposition analysis.
After spending 13 years at Anfield, French is now poised to join City’s staff, where he’ll work closely with Guardiola and bring his expertise to set-piece coaching and match analysis.
French isn’t coming alone—he’ll be reuniting with Pep Lijnders, Jürgen Klopp’s trusted former assistant, who also recently made the move to Manchester City.
The pair worked closely for years at Liverpool and will now look to inject their combined insights into Guardiola’s next chapter.
Pep Lijnders’ Move to City Marks a Surprising Twist
Lijnders’ switch to Manchester City was surprising, especially considering his deep loyalty to Klopp.
For years, he made it clear that he’d only leave Liverpool when Klopp did—and only if a head coaching role came along.
That moment seemed to arrive when he took charge at RB Salzburg, but after just seven months and a tough run, he was let go.
While Norwich City considered him for their head coach role, it’s the pull of working with Guardiola that ultimately convinced the 42-year-old Dutchman to take on a different kind of challenge.
His arrival at the Etihad will be official before City’s first Club World Cup match on June 18.
Guardiola Looking for Fresh Perspectives After Trophyless Year
Last season was a rare disappointment for City. No trophies, no glory—and now Guardiola is determined to reset.
He’s not just rotating players but also turning over his technical and coaching staff.
Key figures like Juanma Lillo, Carlos Vicens, and Inigo Dominguez are on their way out, making room for new voices and new energy.
Guardiola’s aim? To surround himself with people who challenge his ideas, push innovation, and help reimagine the way City play.
And he’s made it clear he’s not afraid to look at his rivals for those perspectives.
Liverpool Left Rebuilding Their Own Staff
As Guardiola adds familiar faces from Merseyside to his inner circle, Liverpool now face a reshuffle of their own.
They’ve already lost John Heitinga, who left Arne Slot’s team to return to Ajax, and now with French and Lijnders gone too, Slot’s backroom is being rebuilt almost before it got started.
It’s an unexpected complication for Liverpool’s new era, especially as Slot was preparing for his first full season in charge.
Guardiola’s Summer Strategy Extends Beyond Staff
This summer overhaul isn’t just about the coaching setup.
Guardiola has also been busy on the transfer front.
After spending big in January, City are close to sealing deals for Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, two promising talents set to add fresh depth and dynamism to the squad.
The Bottom Line: A New City Is Taking Shape
Between high-profile signings and bold staff poaching from Liverpool, Manchester City are undergoing a serious transformation.
Guardiola’s trophyless season appears to have lit a fire under him—and he’s building a team, both on and off the pitch, that’s ready to respond.
Lijnders and French may be just the beginning.