Overview
- Guardiola said he conducted extensive due diligence with Liverpool contacts and felt an immediate connection before appointing Lijnders last summer.
- Since joining, Lijnders has led training sessions and handled detailed media briefings, with Guardiola embracing his readiness to question tactical approaches.
- Players and internal data point to a harder-running, more aggressive side, with Tijjani Reijnders citing added defensive energy and City now leading the league for distance covered and ranking in the top 10 for sprints after lower marks last season.
- A wider backroom reset under new sporting director Hugo Viana, including the departure of Juanma Lillo, created space for Lijnders’ appointment and new ideas.
- Lijnders returns to Anfield with City for a match Guardiola says they must win to keep pace with leaders Arsenal, though he notes Liverpool’s setup has changed under Arne Slot.