Juan Manuel Lillo has joined Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s assistant on the eve of the restart of the 2019/20 Premier League.
Lillo, 54, is well travelled – having once been the youngest coach in La Liga (managing Salamanca at the age of 29) – most recently led Quindao Huanghai to the second tier Chinese League One title and promotion to the Chinese Super League with a side that included Yaya Toure.
The Spaniard also managed City boss Pep Guardiola during his stint in Mexico and the end of the City’s boss’s playing career and has also coached Andres Iniesta, Lukas Podolski, and David Villa during his time at Vissel Kobe in Japan.
Lillo has big boots to fill – coming in to replace the hugely respected Mikel Arteta who went on to manage Arsenal in December.
The arrival of Lillo – who is believed to favour a 4-2-3-1 formation – will add a new voice to the City dressing room at a time when City are seeking renewal after a difficult season.
Lillo said: “I am delighted to have joined Manchester City’s coaching staff.
“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 beautful 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 contributon to the club’s success going forwards.”
Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “We are delighted to welcome Juanma to Manchester City.
“His vast experience working across three contnents 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.”