Pep Guardiola just isn’t on the touchline for Manchester Metropolis vs Liverpool within the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Pep Lijnders will coach Man Metropolis in Pep Guardiola’s absence (Picture: Getty)
- The match: Manchester Metropolis host Liverpool in an FA Cup quarter-final conflict on the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, April 4, 2026 in a 12.45pm BST kick-off.
Pep’s Guardiola ban: Pep Lijnders is managing Man Metropolis for this particular match as a result of Pep Guardiola is serving a touchline ban. This sudden twist forces Lijnders into the highlight in opposition to the membership the place he spent a decade.
Lijnders’ Liverpool stint: Lijnders’ choice to hitch Manchester Metropolis as Guardiola’s assistant was a controversial one. Having been Jurgen Klopp’s right-hand man and a beloved determine at Anfield, his transfer to Liverpool’s direct Premier League rival was considered by many followers as a betrayal.
Lijnders’ household ties: Regardless of the transfer to Metropolis, Lijnders nonetheless has deep emotional ties to Liverpool. He famously described his kids as “correct Scousers” and beforehand said he owed the membership the whole lot. This battle between his skilled ambition and his private historical past creates an intriguing stress.
The Klopp connection: Lijnders’ rise was fueled by Klopp, who gave him unprecedented duty, together with main press conferences and a few cup matches.
Searching for redemption: Earlier than becoming a member of Metropolis, Lijnders had a disappointing stint as supervisor of RB Salzburg. This match in opposition to his former membership is due to this fact a chance to show he can deal with the strain of elite-level administration independently.
Bittersweet Reunion: The match serves as a painful reminder for Liverpool followers of the “Klopp period” ending. They’ve already misplaced twice to Lijnders in Manchester Metropolis colors however this would be the first time the Dutchman is the coach, reasonably than Guardiola.
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