Manchester City have confirmed Juanma Lillo has joined the backroom staff as part of the coaching team.
Pep Guardiola has been without a permanent No.2 since Mikel Arteta left to become Arsenal head coach in December 2019; Arteta had stepped up when Domenec Torrent departed for New York City in 2018 but the manager was keen to bring in a new body ahead of next season.
The break in football has allowed for City to make their move and after discussing a number of options - Vincent Kompany was spoken to about a return to the club - the club have picked Lillo, a mentor and coaching inspiration for Guardiola who has managed stars including Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Yaya Toure during his varied career.
“I am delighted to have joined Manchester City’s coaching staff," he said.
“My relationship with Pep goes back many years and I am thrilled to be joining him as part of this exciting team. Manchester City has enjoyed much success over recent seasons and played a brand of beautiful football we have come to expect from this club and its manager.
“It’s a pleasure to become a part of this group and I hope to make an important contribution to the club’s success going forwards.”
Commenting on the appointment, director of football Txiki Begiristain explained some of the strengths of the new coach.
“We are delighted to welcome Juanma to Manchester City," he said.
“His vast experience working across three continents and with some of the most famous names in world football will be an invaluable asset to Pep and his team.
“We look forward to him playing a vital role as we return to football.”
