Pepijn Lijnders, the former assistant manager of Liverpool, has officially joined Manchester City as part of Pep Guardiola's backroom team. This move marks a significant shift in the Premier League's dynamics, especially given the intense rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester City over the past few years.

Lijnders, who played a crucial role in Jurgen Klopp's successful tenure at Liverpool, will now bring his tactical acumen to City. Alongside him, James French, a former opposition analyst at Liverpool, has been appointed as City's set-piece coach. These appointments come as part of a broader rebuild at the Etihad Stadium following the departure of several key coaches at the end of the 2024-25 season.

Lijnders' journey in football has been nothing short of remarkable. After leaving Liverpool in 2024, he briefly managed Red Bull Salzburg before making the move to Manchester City. His experience includes winning multiple titles with Liverpool, such as the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup.

Hugo Viana, City's director of football, expressed his confidence in the new additions, stating that both Lijnders and French's "talent, application, work ethic, and all-round commitment are totally aligned with the values that underpin how Pep wants football to be played."

This strategic move by Manchester City is expected to bolster their chances in the upcoming Club World Cup and beyond, as they aim to maintain their dominance in both domestic and international competitions.