Man City appoint former Liverpool ‘key’ duo as one joins Guardiola’s side directly ‘from’ the Reds

Manchester City’s 2024/25 campaign will be remembered as a watershed moment in the club’s recent history – a season that marked the end of an era of unprecedented domestic dominance. For the first time in five years, the Citizens failed to lift the Premier League trophy, finishing third behind Liverpool and Arsenal in what many considered an unthinkable outcome just twelve months prior. The disappointment was compounded by a heartbreaking FA Cup final defeat, leaving Pep Guardiola’s men empty-handed for the first time since the 2016/17 season.

This dramatic fall from grace did not occur in isolation. It was the culmination of several factors that had been building beneath the surface: an aging squad, over-reliance on key players, and perhaps most critically, the devastating absence of Rodri following his ACL injury. The Spanish midfielder’s absence exposed vulnerabilities that had been masked by his exceptional performances, revealing the fragility of City’s tactical foundation.

In response to this crisis, Manchester City’s hierarchy has embarked on an ambitious reconstruction project, one that extends far beyond player transfers to encompass a complete overhaul of the coaching structure. The club’s latest moves have raised eyebrows across the football world, as they have turned to their traditional rivals Liverpool to bolster their coaching ranks, securing the services of two former Reds personnel in what represents a significant strategic shift.

The Decline of a Dynasty

To understand the magnitude of Manchester City’s recent struggles, one must first appreciate the heights from which they fell. Under Pep Guardiola’s guidance, City had established themselves as the benchmark of English football, winning four consecutive Premier League titles between 2020/21 and 2023/24. Their style of play, characterized by intricate passing patterns, positional fluidity, and relentless pressing, had become the template that other clubs aspired to emulate.

However, the 2024/25 season revealed the cracks in this seemingly impenetrable facade. The team’s performances became increasingly labored, their once-fluid attacking movements appeared disjointed, and their defensive solidity crumbled under pressure. The statistics painted a stark picture: City’s goal difference of +28 was their lowest in a title-challenging season since Guardiola’s arrival, while their points total of 71 represented a significant drop from their previous standards.

The turning point came during a catastrophic run of form around the New Year, when City managed just two wins in eight Premier League matches. This period exposed the team’s psychological fragility and tactical limitations, as opponents began to exploit the spaces left by an increasingly immobile midfield and an aging defensive line.

The Rodri Factor: A Lesson in Dependence

Perhaps no single factor contributed more to Manchester City’s decline than the absence of Rodri. The Spanish international’s ACL injury, sustained during a match against Arsenal in September 2024, robbed City of their most influential player and exposed their over-reliance on his unique skill set.

Rodri’s role in Guardiola’s system extended far beyond traditional defensive midfield duties. He served as the team’s metronome, dictating tempo and providing the crucial link between defense and attack. His ability to break up opposition play, distribute the ball with precision, and provide defensive cover for City’s adventurous full-backs made him irreplaceable in the truest sense of the word.

The statistics from City’s matches with and without Rodri during the 2024/25 season tell a compelling story. With the Spanish midfielder in the team, City won 78% of their matches and conceded an average of 0.9 goals per game. Without him, their win rate dropped to 52%, while their goals conceded per match increased to 1.7. These numbers illustrate not just Rodri’s individual importance, but also the systemic vulnerabilities his absence created.

Guardiola’s attempts to compensate for Rodri’s loss through tactical adjustments and player repositioning proved largely unsuccessful. Neither Mateo Kovacic nor Ilkay Gundogan could provide the same level of defensive security and ball-playing ability, while younger options like Rico Lewis, despite their promise, lacked the experience and physical presence required for such a demanding role.

The Aging Squad Dilemma

Beyond the Rodri factor, Manchester City’s struggles highlighted the broader issue of squad aging. Many of the players who had been instrumental in the club’s golden period were showing signs of decline, their legs no longer able to sustain the intense physical demands of Guardiola’s system.

Kevin De Bruyne, once the creative heartbeat of the team, battled persistent injury problems and appeared to lack his usual dynamism when fit. The Belgian midfielder’s influence on matches diminished noticeably, with his key passes per game dropping from 3.2 in 2023/24 to 2.1 in 2024/25. Similarly, Kyle Walker’s pace, which had been crucial in City’s defensive transitions, showed signs of waning, making him vulnerable against younger, more dynamic wingers.

The forward line also exhibited concerning signs of stagnation. Erling Haaland, despite maintaining impressive goal-scoring numbers, often appeared isolated and starved of quality service. The Norwegian striker’s frustration was evident in his body language, as he frequently found himself dropping deep in search of the ball, disrupting the team’s attacking structure.

The January Transfer Window Response

Recognizing the severity of their situation, Manchester City’s board made the unprecedented decision to become Europe’s biggest spenders during the January transfer window. This represented a significant departure from their usual measured approach to the winter market, signaling the urgency with which they viewed their predicament.

The club’s January acquisitions focused primarily on addressing immediate tactical needs rather than long-term planning. The signing of a defensive midfielder to cover for Rodri’s absence became the priority, while reinforcements in defense and attack were also sought to inject fresh energy into a stagnating squad.

However, the January additions failed to provide the immediate impact the club had hoped for. New signings struggled to adapt to Guardiola’s complex tactical system, while existing players found it difficult to integrate newcomers into established patterns of play. The disruption caused by these mid-season changes arguably contributed to City’s continued struggles during the crucial final months of the campaign.

Summer Reconstruction: A Comprehensive Approach

Learning from the limitations of their January approach, Manchester City embarked on a more comprehensive reconstruction project for the summer of 2025. The club’s strategy extended beyond mere player acquisitions to encompass a complete overhaul of their coaching structure, recognizing that fresh perspectives and new ideas were essential to revitalizing their fortunes.

The departure of several key coaching staff members – Juanma Lillo, Inigo Dominguez, and Carlos Vicens – had left significant gaps in Guardiola’s support network. These individuals had been instrumental in implementing the manager’s tactical vision and maintaining the high standards that had characterized City’s success. Their absence created an opportunity for the club to reimagine their coaching approach and introduce new methodologies.

City’s summer spending spree reflected their determination to rebuild quickly and effectively. The club targeted a combination of experienced players who could provide immediate impact and younger talents who could form the foundation of future success. This dual approach aimed to address both short-term competitive needs and long-term sustainability.

The Liverpool Connection: A Surprising Turn

The most intriguing aspect of Manchester City’s coaching overhaul has been their decision to recruit from their traditional rivals Liverpool. This move represents a significant departure from the usual reluctance of top clubs to strengthen their direct competitors, highlighting the pragmatic approach City has adopted in their quest to return to the summit of English football.

The appointment of Pep Lijnders as Guardiola’s new assistant coach represents the centerpiece of this strategy. Lijnders’ journey to the Etihad has been circuitous, marked by both triumph and disappointment. His two spells as Liverpool’s assistant manager under Jurgen Klopp provided him with intimate knowledge of the tactical approaches that had proved so effective against City in recent years.

Lijnders’ understanding of high-intensity pressing, rapid transitions, and collective counter-pressing – hallmarks of Klopp’s Liverpool – could provide valuable insights for Guardiola’s evolution as a coach. The Dutch tactician’s experience in developing young players and implementing tactical flexibility may prove crucial in addressing some of City’s current weaknesses.

Pep Lijnders: The Architect’s Apprentice

Pep Lijnders’ coaching philosophy was shaped during his formative years at Liverpool, where he served as the tactical architect behind many of the club’s most memorable performances. His role extended far beyond traditional assistant duties, as he was heavily involved in tactical preparation, player development, and match analysis.

During his time at Anfield, Lijnders developed a reputation for his innovative approach to coaching and his ability to adapt tactical systems to suit different opponents. His work with Liverpool’s full-backs, particularly in developing their attacking contributions while maintaining defensive solidity, demonstrated his tactical acumen and attention to detail.

However, Lijnders’ managerial career has been marked by mixed results. His initial attempt at management with NEC Nijmegen ended in disappointment, as he struggled to translate his tactical knowledge into practical success. More recently, his tenure at Red Bull Salzburg was cut short after just 29 games, raising questions about his ability to lead a team independently.

Despite these setbacks, Lijnders’ analytical mind and tactical understanding make him an attractive proposition for Manchester City. His experience of working at the highest level, combined with his knowledge of Liverpool’s successful methods, could provide Guardiola with fresh perspectives on tactical problems that have plagued City in recent seasons.

James French: The Set-Piece Specialist

Alongside Lijnders, Manchester City have also secured the services of James French, who joins directly from Liverpool as their new set-piece coach. This appointment reflects the growing importance of dead-ball situations in modern football, where marginal gains can often determine the outcome of matches.

French’s work at Liverpool had been instrumental in transforming the club into one of the most dangerous set-piece teams in European football. Under his guidance, Liverpool developed a reputation for scoring crucial goals from corners and free-kicks, with their aerial prowess and innovative routines causing problems for opponents throughout the Premier League and Champions League.

The appointment of a dedicated set-piece coach represents a significant investment in tactical specialization. Manchester City’s struggles from dead-ball situations during the 2024/25 season – both defensively and offensively – highlighted the need for expert intervention in this area. French’s arrival should help address these deficiencies while potentially providing City with a new avenue for scoring goals.

Tactical Implications: Evolution or Revolution?

The arrival of Lijnders and French raises fascinating questions about the potential evolution of Manchester City’s tactical approach. Guardiola has always been receptive to new ideas and willing to adapt his methods based on the challenges he faces. The incorporation of Liverpool’s tactical DNA into City’s existing framework could produce a hybrid approach that combines the best elements of both philosophies.

Lijnders’ expertise in high-intensity pressing could help City recover some of the aggressive defensive characteristics that had been diminished by their aging squad. His understanding of rapid transitions and counter-attacking football might provide solutions to City’s struggles against deep-lying defenses, offering alternative approaches when their traditional possession-based methods prove ineffective.

The tactical influence of French’s set-piece expertise could extend beyond dead-ball situations. His understanding of spatial awareness, player positioning, and movement patterns could enhance City’s attacking play in general, particularly in the final third where they have sometimes lacked creativity and unpredictability.

The Psychological Dimension

Beyond the tactical considerations, the appointments of Lijnders and French carry significant psychological implications for both Manchester City and their rivals. For City, the recruitment of coaches who had been instrumental in Liverpool’s success represents a statement of intent – a clear indication that they are willing to learn from their rivals and adapt their approach accordingly.

The psychological boost provided by these appointments could prove crucial in restoring confidence within the squad. Players who had experienced the frustration of City’s recent struggles may find renewed motivation working under coaches who understand what it takes to compete at the highest level consistently.

For Liverpool, the departure of French and the recruitment of Lijnders by their rivals represents a double blow. While the club has undoubtedly prepared for such eventualities, the loss of expertise and institutional knowledge could have subtle but significant effects on their own performance levels.

Financial Considerations and Squad Building

The financial implications of Manchester City’s comprehensive overhaul extend far beyond coaching appointments. The club’s summer spending spree, combined with their January outlays, represents one of the most expensive reconstruction projects in Premier League history. This investment reflects not only the urgency of their situation but also their confidence in their ability to return to the top quickly.

The coordination between coaching appointments and player recruitment will be crucial to the success of this project. Lijnders’ understanding of different player profiles and tactical systems should inform City’s transfer strategy, ensuring that new signings complement the evolving tactical approach rather than simply adding to an unbalanced squad.

The integration of new coaching methods with existing player capabilities represents a significant challenge. Some members of City’s squad may struggle to adapt to the increased intensity and tactical demands that Lijnders’ approach might require, potentially necessitating further changes to the playing personnel.

The Broader Context: Premier League Arms Race

Manchester City’s aggressive response to their struggles must be viewed within the broader context of the Premier League’s competitive landscape. The league’s financial power and global appeal have created an environment where clubs must continuously evolve or risk being left behind by their rivals.

Liverpool’s sustained excellence under Klopp, Arsenal’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta, and the emergence of other competitive forces have created a more challenging environment for City than they have faced in recent years. The club’s recognition of this reality and their willingness to adapt their approach accordingly demonstrates strategic awareness and flexibility.

The appointments of Lijnders and French represent part of a broader trend in modern football, where clubs are increasingly willing to recruit from their direct competitors. This pragmatic approach reflects the understanding that success in contemporary football requires the best possible expertise, regardless of its source.

Challenges and Expectations

The success of Manchester City’s coaching overhaul will depend on several factors, not least the ability of Lijnders and French to integrate effectively with Guardiola’s existing methods. The Spanish manager’s strong personality and clear tactical vision will require his new assistants to complement rather than compete with his approach.

The time frame for seeing results from these changes remains uncertain. Tactical evolution in football typically requires months rather than weeks, particularly when dealing with established players who have become accustomed to specific methods and approaches. The pressure for immediate results may conflict with the need for patient implementation of new ideas.

Player acceptance and adaptation will be crucial to the success of the new coaching structure. Senior players who have achieved tremendous success under existing methods may resist changes, while younger players might embrace new approaches more readily. Managing these dynamics will require careful handling from all members of the coaching team.

Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins

Manchester City’s appointment of Pep Lijnders and James French represents more than just coaching changes – it symbolizes the club’s recognition that their period of dominance required fundamental reassessment and renewal. The willingness to recruit from Liverpool, their traditional rivals, demonstrates pragmatic thinking and strategic flexibility that could prove crucial in their quest to return to the top.

The success of this ambitious project will ultimately be measured by results on the pitch. Whether the combination of Guardiola’s tactical genius, Lijnders’ innovative thinking, and French’s specialist expertise can restore City to their former heights remains to be seen. However, the club’s comprehensive approach to addressing their weaknesses suggests they are taking the challenge seriously and are committed to doing whatever it takes to reclaim their position as England’s premier football club.

As the 2025/26 season approaches, all eyes will be on Manchester City to see whether their bold gamble on Liverpool’s former coaches can help them write a new chapter of success. The football world watches with anticipation as one of the game’s most fascinating experiments in tactical evolution prepares to unfold.