Manchester City Confirm Two New Coaching Appointments

Manchester City is pleased to announce the addition of two experienced professionals to Pep Guardiola’s first-team coaching staff.

Pepijn Lijnders has been named Assistant Coach, while James French takes on the role of Set-Piece Coach.

Pepijn Lijnders Joins as Assistant Coach

With a deep background in top-tier coaching, Lijnders brings a wealth of experience from both the Premier League and European football.

The 42-year-old Dutchman began his coaching journey in 2002 with PSV Eindhoven’s youth academy before moving to FC Porto for a similar position.

He joined Liverpool in 2014 as part of Brendan Rodgers’ coaching staff and continued working under Jürgen Klopp after his arrival in 2015.

Lijnders briefly left Liverpool in 2018 to manage NEC in the Netherlands, before returning later that same year. He stayed with Liverpool until the summer of 2024, when he and Klopp departed the club. Following that, he managed RB Salzburg in Austria for six months.

James French Becomes Set-Piece Coach

James French arrives at City with over a decade of experience in the Premier League, primarily with Liverpool.

He began his career in football at Swansea City and later worked with the Football Association of Wales, before joining Liverpool in 2012.

At Anfield, he spent more than ten years as the club’s First Team Opposition Analyst, contributing significantly to their tactical preparation.

Leadership Remarks

City’s Director of Football, Hugo Viana, welcomed the duo, stating:

“We’re thrilled to bring Pepijn and James into our senior coaching group. Both have gathered exceptional experience and shown unwavering commitment in their respective roles over the years.”

“Their knowledge, passion, and professionalism align perfectly with the football philosophy Pep promotes.”

“I’m confident both will make valuable contributions as we prepare for the Club World Cup and look ahead to the 2025/26 campaign.”

Everyone at Manchester City wishes Pepijn Lijnders and James French every success in their new roles.