Pep Guardiola's former assistant opens up on decision to leave Man City for MLS

Former Manchester City assistant manager Rodolfo Borrell has opened up on his decision to leave the Etihad to become sporting director at MLS side Austin FC.

Borrell's departure was confirmed at the end of June, calling time on a nine-year spell at the club, seven of which came as part of Pep Guardiola's backroom staff. The Spaniard spent time with the academy before moving into the first-team picture and took charge of an FA Cup tie with Swindon Town when Guardiola was absent with Covid.

City sporting director Txiki Begiristain praised the 52-year-old upon news of his exit, insisting the coach 'played a significant role in the club’s achievements over the past nine years, both as global technical director and after joining Pep Guardiola’s backroom team'.

Borrell capped off a brilliant few years with an incredible Treble last season as City won the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. He then made the decision to end his affiliation with the Blues, moving into a more holistic role with Austin FC.

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"[I'm] trying to bring all the knowledge and experience that I have gathered in my almost 30 years of the top-level clubs," he said of his decision. "I just think, at this moment in my career, there were two ways: keep going the head coaching direction or taking on the sporting director position.

"The sporting director [role], I think it allows me to influence the whole structure much more than being a head coach."

Borrell became the second City assistant to move on this summer, with Enzo Maresca taking on the manager's job at relegated Leicester. Guardiola is expected to bring in at least one new face, with former assistant Juanma Lillo a potential