Pep Guardiola is undertaking a massive rebuild at Manchester City, injecting a staggering $342 million into the squad in just six months. This comes after a period of dominance culminating in the 2023 Champions League victory, followed by a Champions League quarter-final defeat against Real Madrid.
The overhaul began in January 2025 and includes eight new signings, four arriving in the winter transfer window and another four before the Club World Cup. Manchester City has been dominant in the Club World Cup, winning all three of their first-phase matches.
Guardiola's decision to rebuild was influenced by the Champions League exit and a significant gap in the Premier League title race with Liverpool. The new signings are already playing a crucial role in the team's performance.
Lijnders' Impact at City
Adding to the dynamic at Manchester City is the arrival of Pep Lijnders, formerly of Liverpool, as an assistant coach. Guardiola has expressed immense admiration for Lijnders' impact, stating that the Dutchman has already opened his eyes to new perspectives. Lijnders' experience and knowledge are proving invaluable as Guardiola seeks to refine his tactical approach.
Guardiola's Reliance on Assistants
Guardiola has always emphasized the importance of his coaching staff, actively seeking to learn from their expertise. The addition of Lijnders highlights this commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. As Manchester City continues its campaign both domestically and internationally, the contributions of Lijnders will be closely watched.
The combination of significant investment in new players and the addition of a respected coach like Pep Lijnders signals Manchester City's intent to reclaim their position at the top of European football. Will Guardiola's rebuild prove successful? Only time will tell.