Manchester City appoint Juanma Lillo as Pep Guardiola's new assistant manager

Manchester City have appointed Juan Manuel Lillo as Pep Guardiola's assistant manager.

The 54-year-old comes in to replace Mikel Arteta as Guardiola's No 2, with Guardiola keen to link back up with his mentor he calls 'the maestro'.

Lillo left his post at Quingdao Huanghai to join City, having guided the club to the Chinese League One title and securing promotion to the Super League.

Lillo also has plenty of experience in LaLiga, managing the likes of Andres Inieta, David Villa, Yaya Toure, and even Guardiola himself as he learned the ropes as a young coach.

Lillo told the club's official website: '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.'

Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: '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.'