According to Fabrizio Romano, Pep Guardiola is tasked with finding a new assistant coach at Manchester City, as his current top assistant, Rodolfo Borrell, is set to join MLS team Austin FC. Borrell is expected to sign a multiyear contract to serve as the sporting director for Austin FC.
Throughout his tenure with Manchester City, Borrell played a crucial role in their success, contributing to the team’s capture of 14 trophies, including five Premier League titles, one Champions League title, and this season’s treble. Borrell follows in the footsteps of Mikel Arteta, another former assistant under Guardiola who has achieved considerable success as the current manager of Arsenal, making him the latest disciple of Guardiola to depart from Manchester City.
EXCL: Man City’s Rodolfo Borrell set to join @AustinFC as Sporting Director following successful 9-year stay with the Citizens & last season treble 🟢🇺🇸
Pep Guardiola’s top assistant and former Global Technical Director will sign multiyear deal.
Announcement expected soon. pic.twitter.com/X5sJCHEhok
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 28, 2023
Rodolfo Borrell: Early Life
Borrell, born on January 31, 1971, in Barcelona, has emerged as one of the most exceptional developers of young talent in football. His journey began as a youth team manager for Barcelona, where he played a pivotal role in nurturing La Masia graduates who eventually made their mark in the senior team of the Catalan giants.
Joining Manchester City in 2014 as the academy technical director, Borrell has since won four Premier League titles as part of the coaching staff. In the 2022/23 season, he rose to Pep Guardiola’s assistant position, having been with the club’s backroom staff since 2016.
Borrell’s expertise extends beyond City, as he played a significant role in the development of Jon Flanagan, Jordan Ibe, and Raheem Sterling during his time at Liverpool, the latter of whom he later coached at Manchester City. Renowned as Lionel Messi‘s initial coach at Barcelona, he also contributed to the growth of midfield talents such as Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas, solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s premier coaches for young players.
After spending five years on Merseyside, the Spaniard transitioned to Manchester City in a similar capacity before eventually earning a promotion to assistant under Guardiola.
Who Would Guardiola Bring In As His Assistant?
The appointment of Pep Guardiola’s new top assistant is a matter of intrigue, particularly considering that Rodolfo Borrell has been his steadfast companion throughout his entire tenure at Manchester City up until now. As rumours circulate regarding Guardiola’s potential departure from the English club upon the expiration of his contract in June 2025, the individual selected as his new assistant may find themselves in contention to succeed him.
