Pep Lijnders reveals how Jurgen Klopp persuaded him to join Man City - after Pep Guardiola called up his old rival for references on the ex-Liverpool No 2
Pep Lijnders has revealed the extent to which Jurgen Klopp urged him to accept Pep Guardiola’s offer of becoming Manchester City’s assistant manager last summer. While seeking a successor to Juanma Lillo, Guardiola called Klopp and others for references on the former Liverpool No 2. Lijnders had an almost decade-long association with Liverpool and was a key man for Klopp as they battled with City for silverware. But after talks with Klopp and Guardiola, he had no qualms taking up the role. It was not a difficult decision.’Lijnders has appeared key to City’s new-look team, focused more on direct attacking play while retaining Guardiola’s principles.
Source: Daily Mail February 01, 2026 13:59 UTC
