Pep Lijnders Reveals Insight into Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City Future Plans
Manchester City assistant manager Pep Lijnders has offered a clear insight into the mindset and future outlook of head coach Pep Guardiola, insisting the Catalan remains as “hungry” and as “ambitious” as ever despite his historic success at the Etihad Stadium.
The remarks arrive during a period of transition for City, with the squad continuing to evolve as new signings integrate alongside long-standing leaders following a year of notable change both on and off the pitch.
Saturday’s emphatic 10-1 FA Cup victory over Exeter City served as another illustration of the depth and adaptability within Guardiola’s group. With the City manager watching from the stands due to a touchline suspension, Lijnders took charge on the sidelines and oversaw a performance that blended senior authority with youthful energy.
That competitive mentality has also been evident in Guardiola’s recent press conferences, where discussions around fixture congestion, defensive injuries, and the importance of demanding matches have consistently underlined his desire to keep pushing standards higher.
Speaking to reporters after the Exeter win, Lijnders highlighted the importance of success for what he described as a largely new group of players, following a season that has already brought significant change.
“You have players who won everything; Rodri, Bernardo [Silva], Ruben [Dias], all these guys. Gigio [Donnarumma] last year won the big one [the UEFA Champions League]. It always helps when you reach finals and get into difficult games,” Lijnders explained.
The Dutchman went on to emphasise City’s appetite for high-pressure fixtures as a tool for growth. “We want to play as many games as possible, give us the most difficult because with this, we can improve,” he said.
“It’d be unbelievable to go to Wembley. I always feel, especially at the beginning of the season, it’s like a trampoline. Everybody’s playing, everybody’s involved, everybody knows there’s a next game. Now it’s the League Cup semi-final and it’s one leg away, then we have to put ourselves in a good position to take Newcastle here at home.”
Lijnders also pointed to the unusual rhythm of the calendar and the club’s deep connection to domestic competitions. “There’s a long time between games, which is really strange. And then we want to go to Wembley because we all know that stadium, the history, and the history of this club in the League Cup. We want to do that again.”
On player development and confidence, he added, “For players it’s always like this – it’s the big games. It’s going away to Real Madrid and winning there, it’s going to Newcastle and trying to get a good result. We will try that.”
Looking towards Guardiola, Lijnders was emphatic about the manager’s ongoing drive. “The ambitious ones, they don’t have limits. He has passion and ambition now,” he said, dismissing any suggestion that past success has dulled Guardiola’s competitive edge.
Lijnders’ comments underline that Guardiola’s future planning at Manchester City remains anchored in the same relentless hunger that has defined his tenure. There is no sense of complacency, only a determination to continue setting new benchmarks while evolving the squad.
With major fixtures approaching across domestic and European competitions, that ambition will soon face fresh tests. Progress in the League Cup, momentum in the FA Cup, and the demands of elite European nights will all shape how City’s season develops.
If Guardiola’s motivation truly remains as strong as his assistant suggests, Manchester City’s future will not be shaped by reflection on past triumphs, but by a continued and uncompromising pursuit of what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What did Pep Lijnders say about Pep Guardiola?
Lijnders said Guardiola remains as hungry and ambitious as ever, with no limits to his motivation despite years of success.
When did Lijnders make these comments?
He spoke after Manchester City’s 10-1 FA Cup victory over Exeter City.
Why was Pep Guardiola not on the touchline?
Guardiola was serving a touchline suspension and watched the match from the stands.
What competitions are City targeting this season?
Manchester City are competing strongly in the League Cup, FA Cup, Premier League, and European competitions.
What does this mean for Guardiola’s future at City?
The comments suggest Guardiola remains fully committed to long-term success and continued evolution at the club.
Conclusion
Pep Lijnders’ insight offers a clear message to Manchester City supporters: Pep Guardiola’s ambition has not faded with success. Instead, it continues to drive the club forward, shaping planning, performances, and expectations. As City chase further silverware, the manager’s relentless hunger remains a central pillar of their pursuit of sustained dominance.
