Manchester City have announced the departure of assistant manager Juanma Lillo to Qatari club Al Sadd SC, who he joins as head coach.
City paid tribute to Lillo’s two-year stint at the club in their statement, citing his important role behind the scenes as integral to their back-to-back Premier League title wins in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons.
Lillo remarked about his time at City and under head coach Pep Guardiola:
“My time at Manchester City has been one of the most enjoyable periods of my career. To work alongside Pep, his backroom staff and this group of players has been a pleasure and I hope to have contributed in a small way to the fantastic success we have enjoyed on the pitch.”
“I wish the club the very best and hope they can achieve all of their ambitions moving forwards.”
Manchester City director of football Txiki Begiristain hailed Lillo’s dedication, passion and desire to improve the squad during his period at the club, wishing him well for his upcoming venture.
Lillo, who became one of La Liga’s youngest ever managers as coach of Salamanca in 1995, replaces Javi Gracia as head coach of the Qatar Stars League champions.
GSFN
