Exclusive - Senior Manchester City players raised concerns over the need for a new voice in the backroom staff, with Juanma Lillo's appointment the result of months of consideration inside the club.
City's confirmation of Lillo as Pep Guardiola's new assistant earlier this week means the former Real Sociedad and Vissel Kobe manager will join the Citizens' dugout once the season resumes next week.
Guardiola's need for a new right-hand man was exacerbated back in December, when former number two Mikel Arteta opted to leave his post to take up the reins at Arsenal - his first senior managerial position.
We're delighted to announce that Juan Manuel Lillo has joined Pep Guardiola’s backroom staff as assistant coach ?
— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 9, 2020
? #ManCity https://t.co/gkmgeuRrSe
In the wake of the Spaniard's move to north London, first-team coach Rodolfo Borrell has acted as Guardiola's assistant in the interim.
However, with Lillo now confirmed in his new position, sources have told 90min that a backroom shuffle at the Etihad has been in the works for the past 12 months, with Arteta's move to Arsenal acting as the ideal platform for a necessary internal change.
While Guardiola had been content with his coaching team, City’s footballing chiefs Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano - who are also in charge of the coaching department - had spoken to senior members of the City squad to discuss any concerns.
One of the points to emerge during the talks - which took place during City's downturn in form earlier in the season - was that a new voice in the coaching circle could be beneficial.
A source with knowledge of the situation explained: “This could be huge for City, a fresh voice is something the players wanted – they love Pep and his ideas, but sometimes if you have heard something for so many seasons a new set of ideas or explained in a slightly different manner could be beneficial.
“You only need look to the over side of the City and Sir Alex Ferguson, who brought in a new number two on regular basis.”
The current City boss as been a long-term admirer of Lillo - having previously played under him during his days in Mexico - while the two share a similar footballing philosophy.
Guardiola and former assistant Arteta will meet for the first time as opposing managers when the Premier League returns next Wednesday, as Manchester City host Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.
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Source : 90min