Jurgen Klopp’s former right-hand man Pep Lijnders has joined Liverpool’s title rivals Manchester Metropolis.
Lijnders helped mastermind the Merseysiders profitable the Premier League title in 2020 in addition to the Champions League and Membership World Cup the 12 months earlier than. He left together with Klopp on the finish of the 2023-24 marketing campaign with Liverpool turning to Arne Slot.
The 42-year-old Dutchman had a brief spell as head coach of RB Salzburg – his second failed managerial stint following an equally disappointing time at NEC Nijmegen – however has now returned to England.
He has already began work alongside one other former Liverpool man James French.
We’re delighted to substantiate two key appointments to @PepTeam‘s first crew teaching set-up.
Pepijn Lijnders has been appointed as assistant coach whereas James French joins as set-piece coach.
— Manchester Metropolis (@ManCity) June 10, 2025
French joins Metropolis as set-piece coach after 13 years at Anfield as first-team opposition analyst.
Viana hails double appointment
The appointments are a serious coup for Pep Guardiola as he appears rebound from a comparatively poor season that noticed Metropolis end third within the Premier League.
Director of soccer Hugo Viana mentioned: “We’re all delighted that Pepijn and James have joined our senior teaching set-up.
“Pepijn and James have every amassed big expertise working of their particular person roles over the previous few years.
“Their expertise, software, work ethic and all-round dedication are completely aligned with the values that underpin how Pep desires soccer to be performed.
“And I’ve little doubt in any respect that each will show to be crucial belongings for Pep and his teaching crew as we put together for the Membership World Cup after which the 2025/26 season.”