Pep Lijnders will lead Manchester City against his old team, Liverpool, in the FA Cup quarterfinal next month as Pep Guardiola is serving a touchline ban.
After working with Jurgen Klopp for two stints at Anfield and helping the Reds win the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, and two League Cups, former Reds assistant Lijnders made the controversial decision to join City as Guardiola’s assistant last summer.
His time at Red Bull Salzburg came to an abrupt end when he was fired in December 2024.
According to the Mirror, the Dutchman, who has quickly established himself as a reliable member of Guardiola’s coaching staff, will now take over as manager when his old team play in the FA Cup at the Etihad Stadium on the weekend of April 4.
Guardiola To Serve Two-Match Ban
Guardiola will now face a two-match touchline punishment after receiving his sixth booking of the season during Saturday night’s 3-1 triumph at Newcastle in the FA Cup fifth round.
After Kieran Trippier fouled Jeremy Doku at St. James’ Park, the City manager angrily challenged fourth official Lewis Smith.
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According to new rules implemented this season, Premier League managers who receive three yellow cards will be punished for one game; six bookings would result in a two-game suspension.
Guardiola will not be on the touchline for this weekend’s trip to West Ham and the cup match against Liverpool because the ban only applies to Premier League and FA Cup games.
However, he will be in the dugout for the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal on March 22. Additionally, he will be there for both legs of the Champions League last-16 matchup with Real Madrid.
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