Home / Sports / Lijnders Quits Man City: Family First!
Lijnders Quits Man City: Family First!
27 May
Summary
- Pepijn Lijnders is leaving Manchester City for family reasons.
- He departs alongside Pep Guardiola and other key staff members.
- Lijnders seeks a permanent base for his growing sons.
Pepijn Lijnders has announced his departure from Manchester City, effective this summer. The decision, he stated, is driven by personal family considerations rather than footballing opportunities.
Lijnders emphasized the need for a stable, permanent location for his growing sons, which precludes another extended period of living in England. He indicated that his commitment to Manchester City was always conditional on his family's well-being, and he would not have committed to a second year without their needs being met.
The assistant coach is part of a notable exodus from the Etihad Stadium. He will leave alongside manager Pep Guardiola, goalkeeping coach Xabier Mancisidor, fitness coach Lorenzo Buenaventura, head of sport Manuel Estiarte, and fellow assistant coach Kolo Toure. The club had reportedly offered Lijnders a role on a new manager's staff or a head coaching position within the City Football Group, but these were declined.
Lijnders joined Manchester City in June 2025, having previously been a key figure under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. His contributions were significant during Manchester City's recent season, which saw them win the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, and contend for the Premier League title until the final day. The incoming manager, Maresca, will now assemble his own coaching team from scratch.
