Pep Guardiola's new right-hand man a familiar face to Manchester City's youngsters

Premier League champions Manchester City will have a new look to their backroom staff this summer.

Junama Lillo’s recent departure to take over as first-team coach at Qatari club Al Sadd has left City manager Pep Guardiola looking for a number two for the fourth time since he arrived in the Premier League.

Domenec Torrent, Mikel Arteta, and Lillo have all filled the role of Guardiola's right-hand man and the City boss will next turn to Enzo Maresca.

It will mark a swift return for the 42-year-old Italian, who guided City’s under-23 side to a first Premier League 2 crown in 2020/21, a feat they repeated last season.

Maresca, whose most recent coaching assignment was first-team coach of Parma in his native Italy, has first-hand knowledge working with many of City's young players, including CJ Egan-Riley, Josh Wilson-Esbrand, Fin Burns, Romeo Lavia, Luke Mbete, James McAtee, Cole Palmer and Liam Delap. Most will either be loaned out or utilised to bulk up Guardiola’s first-team squad.

The departing Lillo moved to Manchester in June 2020 helping the first team win two Premier League titles and a League Cup.

“My time at Manchester City has been one of the most enjoyable periods of my career,” he told City’s website.

“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.”

GOALKEEPERS: Ederson 8 - Won the coveted Premier League Golden Glove award after keeping 20 clean sheets this season. In a team full of pass masters, the Brazilian can hold his own against any of his outfield teammates. AP Photo

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