Guardiola confirms plans to replace assistant coaches

Pep Guardiola confirmed that Manchester City have names in mind for the vacant first-team coaching roles.

City have lost two assistant managers this summer, with Rodolfo Borrell leaving after seven years working with Guardiola to take up a position as a sporting director in Austin, while Enzo Maresca departed after just 12 months to become the new Leicester manager. It leaves Carlos Vicens as the only remaining assistant.

Guardiola is looking to beef up his bench, and there has been interest in a return for Juanma Lillo – the former assistant who left to go and manage in Qatar but was back helping City out in the final stages of the Champions League and recently left his permanent position for personal reasons. City’s manager confirmed he had names in mind to add to his coaching staff but would not elaborate on who he had in mind as he wished his former colleagues well.

“I don’t know what happens with my assistants, I take care of them really well and all the time they drop me! If you want to come to my bench, I have a space now,” he joked.

Also read: Guardiola issues Walker transfer update amid Bayern interest

“I want to say thank you to Rodo for this incredible seven years, and the last year from Enzo. They were an incredible part of the success we had in previous seasons, and I wish them both – Rodo in MLS, Enzo in Leicester – the best because they deserve it.

“We’re looking for some person to come help us but I have enough quality so so far it’s okay. I have a few people in mind but I cannot say more.”