Lijnders Sparks Controversy: City Assistant’s On-Field Move Shocks Liverpool Fans
8 February 2026
Match recap
Pep Lijnders, Manchester City’s assistant coach under Pep Guardiola, faced sharp criticism for his on-field conduct after Liverpool’s defeat.
City turned the tables on Liverpool, securing a dramatic 2-1 win at Anfield on Sunday night, closing the 25th round of the Premier League.
Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring for Liverpool in the 74th minute with a rocket free-kick, while Bernardo Silva leveled for City in the 84th.
Erling Haaland netted the winner for City in the 90+3 minute from a penalty.
City's victory moved them to 50 points in second place, still chasing league leaders Arsenal (56), while Liverpool stayed on 39 in sixth.
Liverpool's official site noted that Lijnders celebrated visibly on the pitch, heightening tensions at Anfield.
Lijnders faced criticism for his post-match conduct, with some calling it unnecessary and urging him to celebrate in the locker room rather than on the pitch after the final whistle.
The article recalls the Dutch coach's long association with Liverpool; his decade at Anfield ended in 2024, and he even hinted at a future return if his ambitions as a head coach come true.
However, after an unsuccessful stint at RB Salzburg, the 43-year-old returned to City's bench as Guardiola's assistant.
Context and reflections
The discussion centers on loyalty, leadership, and the fine line between celebration and provocation in a heated rivalry.
Punchline 1: Lijnders celebrated so vigorously that even the net filed a complaint for excessive excitement.
Punchline 2: If managing were a stand-up routine, Guardiola would headline while Lijnders sneaks onstage for the encore—every time with impeccable timing.
