Guardiola appoints Arteta replacement

Pep Guardiola has appointed his former manager Juanma Lillo as Manchester City’s new assistant coach.

The announcement was made on the club’s website on Tuesday, 9th June.

Lillo, 54, resigned as coach of Chinese outfit, Qingdao Huanghai last week citing his mother’s poor state of health as reason for his return to Spain.

“I am delighted to have joined Manchester City’s coaching staff,” Lillo said in a City statement.

“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 beautiful football we have come to expect from this club and its manager.”

Lillo and Guardiola first met at Mexican club, Dorados at the twilight of Guardiola’s playing career in 2006.

City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain added: “We are delighted to welcome Juanma to Manchester City.

“His vast experience working across three continents 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.”