As it turned out, after Mikel Arteta’s transfer to “Arsenal,” Pep Guardiola selected a new assistant. The Spanish specialist Juanma Lillo will be the second coach of Manchester City from the next season.
Many in the press were predicted to be appointed as City’s assistant head coach, including the most active, Xabi Alonso, who currently works for Real Sociedad’s senior team.
However, according to Marca, Guardiola has selected Juanma Lillo, who will become Pep’s assistant from next season. The official website of the City also confirms the information.
The Spanish specialist has returned his team to the Chinese football elite this season, but will leave the Asians in the near future and will start the next season in “City.”
After Mikel Arteta left the club in December and took over at Arsenal, the “Cityzens” are without a second coach.
Lillo and Pep Guardiola know each other quite well. The 54-year-old Spanish specialist coached him in the Mexican Dorado, where Pep ended his football career.
Juanma Lillo, last headed Chinese Qingdao. Before that, he coached the Japanese Wiesel Kobe. In the 2016-17 season, he worked as an assistant to Jorge Sampaoli in Seville.
It is noteworthy that after the renewal of the season, Manchester City will play its first match on June 17 against Arsenal at the Etihad, where Mikel Arteta will face his teacher, Pep Guardiola, for the first time.