Backroom exodus confirmed
Five backroom staff members are leaving City this summer alongside Pep Guardiola. Assistant Pepijn Lijnders, Kolo Touré, Lorenzo Buenaventura, Manel Estiarte, and Xabi Mancisidor will all depart. Lijnders joined Guardiola's staff this season after his stint as Liverpool assistant under Jürgen Klopp, and sources say Guardiola wanted him as part of one last rebuild before his own exit. (1) (2) (4)
Lijnders on Guardiola's methods
Lijnders offered a glimpse into what made the Guardiola era special: 'He approaches a match plan like a heart operation.' The Dutchman spent a full season watching Guardiola up close and says the intensity and precision behind the scenes matched the results on the pitch. (2)
City lead Anderson chase
City are ahead of Manchester United in the race for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. The 22-year-old is reportedly leaning toward a move to the Etihad as the summer window approaches. He would represent the first major signing of the post-Guardiola era. (5)
Haaland joins Norway camp
Erling Haaland has landed in Norway and linked up with the national team ahead of the World Cup. His international teammate gave him a warm welcome, with Norway preparing to compete on the biggest stage. (3)
Fan reactions
City fans are in a reflective mood as the Guardiola era ends. The numbers are staggering: 593 games, 416 wins, 1,423 goals, and 20 trophies over 10 years. The Anderson news has sparked debate, with some excited by the profile of the signing and United fans on r/reddevils visibly frustrated at being beaten to a target. Read the full discussion
