Manchester City, in a strategic move aimed at revitalizing their tactical approach and reclaiming their dominant position in English and European football, have appointed two seasoned coaches with strong Liverpool pedigrees to Pep Guardiola’s backroom staff. Pepijn Lijnders, a highly regarded figure who served as Jurgen Klopp’s assistant at Anfield, and James French, a specialist in set-piece strategies who honed his skills over 13 years at Liverpool, will bring their considerable expertise to the Etihad Stadium. These appointments represent a significant shift in City’s coaching dynamics and signal Guardiola’s intent to address the tactical shortcomings that led to a trophyless 2024/25 season, their first such drought in eight years.
The arrival of Lijnders and French follows the departure of three members of Guardiola’s existing coaching team, suggesting a deliberate restructuring of the support structure around the Catalan manager. Lijnders, known for his tactical acumen and player development skills, brings a wealth of experience gleaned from his time working under both Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. His brief but unsuccessful stint as head coach at Red Bull Salzburg following his departure from Anfield in 2024 provides him with a fresh perspective on leadership and tactical implementation. French’s specialization in set-piece routines, an often-underestimated aspect of the game, offers City the potential to exploit a critical area for both scoring goals and preventing them.
City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, emphasized the alignment of the new appointees’ values with Guardiola’s footballing philosophy, highlighting their talent, work ethic, and commitment to the principles that underpin the manager’s tactical approach. The appointments reflect a clear intention to inject new ideas and methodologies into City’s training regimen while maintaining the core principles of Guardiola’s possession-based, attacking style. The emphasis on “application” and “work ethic” suggests a desire to re-instill a sense of urgency and intensity within the squad, potentially addressing any complacency that may have contributed to the disappointing previous season.
The 2024/25 campaign saw Manchester City relinquish their Premier League title, finishing a disappointing third, and fail to secure any silverware, marking a significant setback for a club accustomed to consistent success under Guardiola’s leadership. This uncharacteristic stumble served as a wake-up call, prompting the club to reassess its strategies and seek fresh perspectives. The recruitment of Lijnders and French represents a proactive response to this setback, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and a determination to reclaim their place at the summit of English football.
The upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, expanded to 32 teams and hosted in the United States, presents an immediate opportunity for City to reassert their dominance on the global stage. As defending champions, having won the competition in its previous format in Saudi Arabia, City will face the Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca in their opening match in Philadelphia. This tournament will serve as a testing ground for the newly implemented tactical adjustments and provide Lijnders and French with an early opportunity to demonstrate their impact on the team’s performance. The pressure to succeed will be immense, as City aim to re-establish their winning mentality and lay the foundation for a resurgent 2025/26 season.
The appointments of Lijnders and French represent a calculated gamble by Manchester City, bringing in individuals with proven track records from a rival club. The blend of fresh perspectives and established expertise offers the potential to reinvigorate City’s tactical approach and reignite their pursuit of silverware. The upcoming Club World Cup will provide an early indication of whether this strategic reshuffle within the coaching ranks can deliver the desired results and propel City back to their accustomed position of dominance. The success of this venture will hinge on the seamless integration of the new coaches into Guardiola’s existing system and their ability to contribute meaningfully to the team’s overall performance.
