Al Sadd appoints Man City’s assistant coach Juan as head coach for new season

DOHA: Premier League champions Manchester City club’s assistant coach Juan Manuel Lillo has been appointed head coach Al Sadd, the club said on Friday.

Juan replaces fellow Spaniard Javi Gracia, who guided Al Sadd to their Qatar Stars League title last season.  

Lillo, 56, joined City in June 2020 to fill the gap left by Mikel Arteta’s departure to Arsenal.

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

“To work alongside Pep (Guardiola), 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.”