Pep Guardiola has revealed that he asked Jurgen Klopp for permission before appointing Pep Lijnders as his assistant at Manchester City. Lijnders, a former trusted ally of Klopp during their time at Liverpool, had previously stated he would never assist another manager after leaving Anfield.
Guardiola, speaking ahead of City's Club World Cup match in Philadelphia, said he had a long conversation with Klopp about the potential appointment. 'I asked permission from Jurgen of course, I didn't want to interfere. I asked if it would be a problem and he said absolutely not,' Guardiola explained.
Lijnders had two spells at Liverpool, initially under Brendan Rodgers before becoming a key figure under Klopp. After leaving the club in 2024, he took over as Red Bull Salzburg manager but was sacked in December. His return to the Premier League as an assistant breaks a promise he made to Klopp upon leaving Liverpool.
Upon his departure from Liverpool, Lijnders said: 'I always said I will finish with Jurgen; the moment I will not assist anyone else, that's the moment I will go and I will manage.' However, he has now joined Guardiola's staff, replacing Juanma Lillo.
Guardiola praised Lijnders' knowledge, stating: 'His knowledge, I drink from his knowledge. We talk a lot about football and training, he's been inspiring for me.'
