What is Juanma Lillo like as a coach as the Spaniard prepares to take charge of Man City’s next two Premier League games?

Pep Guardiola will miss Manchester City’s next two matches, with Juanma Lillo taking charge of the club for the time being.

The Spaniard flew to Barcelona for surgery on a minor problem that had been bothering him for some time. The City manager will now go through a period of recuperation before returning to work.

Guardiola’s No. 2 Juanma Lillo will coach the side in his absence as City travel to Sheffield United this weekend.

Lillo, 57, has previously worked for City and returned to the club in the summer after Enzo Maresca left the Etihad to join Leicester City.

Mail Sport explains what Lillo is like as a coach and what has been said about Pep Guardiola’s injury.

The news comes after Pep Guardiola flew to Barcelona for surgery on a minor problem

How is Lillo as a coach?

Lillo first joined the City, founded in 2020, when he replaced Mikel Arteta as the club’s assistant manager. In his first season, City won the Premier League and finished twelve points above rivals United. They would also win the Carabao Cup, beating Tottenham 1–0 in the final.

In his second season with Manchester, the club won the league again and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.

After two seasons with Manchester, Lillo left the club last season to take charge of Al Sadd last summer, replacing Javi Gracia, before returning to City earlier this month.

Guardiola has huge confidence in Lillo and earlier this summer welcomed his return to the Etihad.

“Juanma sees things no one else sees in the game. He understands football at an incredible level, so he’s the perfect person for me to work with,” Guardiola said in August.

“I have always been inspired by him – his football knowledge, his intelligence and his humanity mark him as a very special person in my life – and we have a shared ideology.

He is a friend, a colleague and an inspiration. I’m so glad he’s back here at Manchester City.

“His competition preparation is absolutely amazing. I know he will raise the standards because he works so hard every day.”

Lillo first joined the City formed in 2020 when he replaced Mikel Arteta as the club’s assistant manager

Pep Guardiola (right) revealed that Lillo will ‘raise standards’ because he works hard every day

Which matches will Pep Guardiola miss?

Pep Guardiola will be out of Manchester City’s next two games following back surgery.

Guardiola traveled back to his home country, where he underwent an “emergency operation” and successfully completed the procedure.

The Spaniard’s No. 2 Lillo will take charge of Manchester City’s match against Premier League newboys Sheffield United on Sunday.

They then come into action on Saturday 2 September against Fulham at the Etihad.

There will be an international break after the game with Fulham, with Guardiola expected to return to the dugout for City’s game against West Ham.

Manchester City’s first game without Guardiola is a trip to Sheffield United this weekend

What has been said about Guardiola’s operation?

In a statement announcing the news on Tuesday, the club said: ‘Manchester City boss has been suffering from severe back pain lately and has flown to Barcelona for emergency surgery performed by Dr Mireia Illueca.

The operation was a success and Pep will now recover and rehabilitate in Barcelona.

“In his absence, assistant manager Juanma Lillo will oversee first-team coaching on the training ground and take over duties on the sidelines until Pep’s return,” City added.

“It is expected that he will return after the upcoming international break.

“Everyone at Manchester City wishes Pep a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back in Manchester soon.”