‘Liverpool hit by crushing blow as senior man quits to join Man City’
Manchester City are making moves behind the scenes to strengthen their backroom team as a senior Liverpool man is closing on a switch to the Etihad.
Man City are looking to shake things up this summer after failing to win any major trophies in the latest campaign, having lost the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace.
The Manchester giants finished the season in third place, while Liverpool were crowned Premier League champions.
Pep Guardiola has warned he will quit Man City if he has to work with a large squad again next season.
However, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak revealed Man City are targeting several new signings this summer and aim to revamp the squad before the Club World Cup, which starts on 15 June and ends on 13 July.
Guardiola has decided to reshuffle his backroom team after the club have confirmed three members of staff will leave the Etihad.
Assistant coaches Juanma Lillo and Inigo Dominguez are heading for an exit following the expiration of their contracts, while Carlos Vicens has agreed to become the new Braga manager.
Man City close on two new hires
Former Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders is understood to have accepted a role in Guardiola’s backroom team.
That news has been met with some surprise by Liverpool fans after the Dutch coach spent nine-and-a-half years at Anfield across two spells under Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp.
In a new development, The Athletic reported on 4 June James French is now also set to join Guardiola’s backroom team at Man City.
French, who has worked as an opposition analyst for Liverpool since 2012, will take up a role at the Etihad focused on set-piece coaching and analysis.
It will come as a major blow to Liverpool to be losing an experienced member of their backroom team on the back of their Premier League title success under Arne Slot.
Man City could let 10 stars go in coming weeks
Guardiola is clearly looking to freshen things up behind the scenes after what was a largely disappointing campaign for his side.
There is also expected to be a significant overhaul of the playing staff over the coming weeks, with up to 10 players potentially leaving the Etihad this summer.
Man City have agreed a deal to sign Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan as they look to strengthen their midfield options.
Meanwhile, Lyon forward Rayan Cherki and Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri are also expected to join the 10-time English champions.
For more Man City and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.