Man City plot coaching overhaul: Pep Lijnders & Kolo Toure among candidates for Guardiola
Manchester City are considering former Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders for a place on Pep Guardiola's revamped coaching team.
The Dutchman, who served as Jurgen Klopp's right-hand man during Liverpool's successful spell from 2018 to 2024, is currently without a job following his short-lived tenure as Red Bull Salzburg manager.
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City are undergoing a backroom shake-up after their first trophyless season since 2016-17. Long-serving assistants Juanma Lillo and Inigo Dominguez will depart when their contracts expire next month. Carlos Vicens has also left to take over as head coach at Braga in Portugal.
Guardiola now wants to inject fresh ideas into his coaching staff, and Lijnders has emerged as a serious candidate. According to The Times, he is one of several names under consideration.
Lijnders left Liverpool alongside Klopp last summer, having previously turned down a long-term managerial role at Anfield. He was approached about succeeding Klopp, but Fenway Sports Group ultimately felt placing him directly after his former boss would be unfair.
The 42-year-old helped Liverpool win the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020. However, his only two spells as head coach — at NEC Nijmegen and Salzburg — ended prematurely.
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City are also weighing up an internal promotion for Kolo Toure, who returned to the club last year as an assistant at under-18 level.
Toure, 44, spent four years as a player at Manchester City before joining Brendan Rodgers' staff at Celtic and Leicester City. He briefly managed Wigan Athletic in League One, though his time there also ended in disappointment.
Since returning to the Etihad, Toure has impressed academy staff with his approach and leadership. City are open to promoting him to a first-team role.
With decisions still pending, City have already named under-21 manager Ben Wilkinson and his assistant Craig Mudd to assist Guardiola during the Club World Cup in the United States next month.
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The final composition of Guardiola's coaching staff for the 2025-26 season will be decided in due course.
While Lijnders is known for his tactical nous and close relationship with Klopp, Toure brings a player's perspective and strong emotional connection to the club.
City are believed to be taking a measured approach, but both men represent intriguing additions as Guardiola looks to freshen up his staff after a rare season of disappointment.
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