Manchester City Confirm Arrival of Juan Manuel Lillo as Assistant Coach

Manchester City have confirmed the arrival of Juan Manuel Lillo as assistant coach, with the Spaniard describing it as 'a pleasure' to become a part of the group.

Pep Guardiola's former assistant coach Mikel Arteta departed the club in December to take up the role of head coach at Premier League rivals Arsenal. As a result, the Sky Blues have been on the lookout for a replacement ever since, and have now settled on Lillo.

Lillo was managing Qingdao Huanghai in China, but City have taken to their official website to confirm he has officially joined Guardiola's backroom staff as assistant coach.

The 54-year-old said: “I am delighted to have joined Manchester City’s coaching staff. 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. It’s a pleasure to become a part of this group and I hope to make an important contribution to the club’s success going forwards.”

City's Director of Football Txiki Begiristain also expressed his pleasure, saying: "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.”

Guardiola and Lillo briefly spent time together at Mexican side Dorados Sinaloa in 2006, where Lillo coached the now-City boss during the latter stages of his playing career.

Once the youngest coach in La Liga history, Lillio will bring a vast amount of experience. Initially starting his coaching career at the tender age of just 16, he has been in the business since 1981.