Man City Appoints Lijnders and French to Staff

Manchester City have appointed Pepijn Lijnders, former Liverpool assistant coach, as Pep Guardiola's new assistant and James French, Liverpool's set-piece specialist, as set-piece coach. The appointments follow the departure of key City staff members and form part of a major backroom reshuffle after a trophyless season. Lijnders, who left Liverpool with Jurgen Klopp and had an unsuccessful stint as Red Bull Salzburg head coach, joins despite previously stating he would only work as a head coach. French brings over a decade of experience in set-piece analysis from Liverpool. Both coaches will join City in preparation for the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States. City's director of football, Hugo Viana, emphasized their alignment with Guardiola’s philosophy and commitment to innovation.