Pep Guardiola’s former assistant Juanma Lillo has returned to Manchester City after leaving his post as head coach of Qatar Stars League side Al Sadd.

The news will be a boost to the Catalan after previous assistant Enzo Maresca left the Etihad Stadium this summer to become Leicester City’s permanent head coach ahead of their upcoming Championship campaign. Guardiola’s inner sanctum had been left understaffed by the departures of Mikel Arteta, Lillo, Maresca, and new Austin FC sporting director Rodolfo Borrell– all within the previous four years.

Juanma Lillo returns to Man City

Lillo initially left City in June 2022 for Doha but an announcement regarding the 57-year-old’s return as part of Guardiola’s backroom team was made earlier today via the club’s official website. 

During his two-year spell at City previously, Lillo helped the Blues to two consecutive Premier League titles and a Carabao Cup success.

Speaking of Lillo’s re-appointment, City boss Guardiola said, “Juanma sees things no one else in the game sees. He understands football on an incredible level, so he is the perfect person for me to work alongside.

He is a friend, a colleague and an inspiration. I am so, so happy he is back here at Manchester City.”