Manchester City Announce New Assistant Coach For Pep Guardiola In Two Backroom Staff Changes

Manchester City have today announced two changes to Pep Guardiola's backroom staff ahead of the new season.

As preparations are firmly underway in regards to the club's playing squad for the new season, changes are being made off the pitch too.

Earlier this summer, it was confirmed that Pep Guardiola's assistant coach Juanma Lillo would be leaving the club in order to take on a first-team head coach role elsewhere.

Following that, rumours began to circulate regarding who would replace Lillo on the Manchester City bench.

One such name was former Academy coach Enzo Maresca - who enjoyed much success with the club before his move to Italy.

After a largely unsuccessful spell, Maresca left his position at Parma last autumn, and became available once again.

However, despite the assistant coach role being available, an official statement confirming Enzo Maresca's return to the club has confirmed that he will not become Pep Guardiola's number two for the new season.

Instead, it is simply stated that the 42 year-old will join the club's backroom staff.

Speaking on his return to the Etihad Stadium, Enzo Maresca said, “I am very happy to be back at Manchester City, one of the biggest clubs in the world."

“I gained a lot from my season here coaching the EDS and saw just how talented the players and staff are at this Club."

He continued, “I am very proud that Pep (Guardiola) has asked me to return, this time as part of the first team backroom staff, and I can’t wait to help him and the players in the seasons to come.”

Manchester City's director of football Txiki Begiristain also offered his thoughts on the re-appointment of Maresca at the football club, as he said, “We are delighted to welcome Enzo back to Manchester City."

“We were sorry to see him leave last year after a successful season in charge of the EDS and did not want to pass up the opportunity to bring him back to the Club."

Begiristain continued, “His experience in a number of leagues and relationship with many of our current staff and players will be an invaluable asset to Pep and his team.”

As part of the same statement from Manchester City, the club confirm that Rodolfo Borrell will be stepping up to replace Juanma Lillo as Pep Guardiola's assistant coach for the new season.

Borrell did in fact manage the City first-team squad on one occasion last season, during an FA Cup win against Swindon Town, due to Covid-19 cases affecting the club's backroom staff and playing squad.