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has disclosed that he sought 's approval before bringing Pep Lijnders into his coaching team. Lijnders, who was a key figure in Klopp's backroom staff at Liverpool during their intense rivalry with Manchester City, made headlines when Guardiola snapped him up this summer.

The Dutch coach is set to fill Juanma Lillo's shoes at City and is expected to make his mark on the team's style of play in the upcoming season. Despite Klopp having moved on from Liverpool and Lijnders having a stint as Red Bull Salzburg manager before being dismissed last December, Guardiola still felt it necessary to clear the air with Klopp.

Speaking before City's Club World Cup opener against Wydad in Philadelphia, Guardiola said: "We had a conversation with Jurgen but not about Pep. It was a long conversation. I suggested I was thinking about Pep and he gave me his high opinion. After I took time to reflect.

"I was in touch with Pep. I asked permission from Jurgen of course, I didn't want to interfere. I asked if it would be a problem and he said absolutely not. After one or two days we decided yes. I'm a fortunate guy with my assistants in my career: everboydy helped me incredibly. They made me a better manager.

"I'm pretty sure Kolo Toure and especially Pep will. His knowledge, I drink from his knowledge. We talk a lot about football/training, he's been inspiring for me. I am so lucky to work and learn from so many great coaches during my time here."