Manchester City has made headlines with the high-profile addition of two former Liverpool staff members to Pep Guardiola’s coaching team, signaling a strategic move ahead of the new Premier League season. Confirmed on Tuesday, Pepijn Lijnders—longtime assistant to Jurgen Klopp—and renowned set-piece specialist James French have officially joined the City bench following the departure of key backroom figures earlier this summer.

Lijnders, 42, is widely credited for his tactical input during Liverpool’s golden era under Klopp, playing a pivotal role in their Champions League victory in 2019 and Premier League title win in 2020. His move to Manchester City is not only significant because of his credentials, but also because it marks a rare crossover between two of English football’s fiercest rivals.

This recruitment drive comes in response to the summer exits of three critical members of City’s coaching setup—Rodolfo Borrell, Carlos Vicens, and Natalia Rodriguez. With Guardiola aiming to keep City at the pinnacle of English football, the arrival of Lijnders and French is seen as both a tactical and psychological boost.

James French, known for his meticulous approach to set-piece strategy, complements Lijnders’ broader tactical prowess. Together, they bring fresh perspectives to a City side already brimming with technical excellence and strategic depth. Their integration into the club reflects Guardiola’s forward-thinking approach and relentless pursuit of innovation.

The appointment of Lijnders, in particular, underscores an emerging trend in top-tier football—elite clubs increasingly tapping into rival talent pools to gain competitive advantages. Having worked closely with Jurgen Klopp, Lijnders offers insight into Liverpool’s internal mechanics, potentially giving Guardiola an edge in future encounters.

City’s acquisition of such high-caliber coaching talent reaffirms their ambition to remain dominant both domestically and in Europe. With preseason preparations underway, all eyes are now on how this revamped coaching unit will influence the club’s performance when the new campaign begins.

This bold move not only reshapes Manchester City’s internal dynamics but also shakes up the Premier League’s coaching landscape as one of Klopp’s most trusted lieutenants joins forces with his greatest rival.