PEP LIJNDERS beamed as he was interviewed by Match of the Day following Manchester City’s 4-0 win over Liverpool.
The Dutchman, 43, stepped in for Pep Guardiola as the City boss was serving a touchline ban.
Not used to the extra media duties, Lijnders couldn’t help but beam as he spoke to the BBC.
The reporter began: “Steve Bower with Pep Lijnders for Match of the Day.”
Guardiola’s No2 broke out into a huge smile as Bower continued: “Pep, well done. I bet the other Pep is very happy with that.”
Rather than immediately answer the question, giddy Lijnders said: “I love Match of the Day!”
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The former Liverpool assistant then added: “It’s the FA Cup so that’s special, no?
“The ‘other Pep’ is very happy of course.”
Lijnders was appointed as Guardiola’s assistant last summer, replacing outgoing Juanma Lillo.
He previously worked at Liverpool across two spells between 2014 and 2024, most notably serving as Jurgen Klopp‘s No2.
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Guardiola was forced to watch today’s match from the stands after collecting six yellow cards.
The Spaniard watched the game from the directors’ box alongside daughter Maria.
City booked their place in the final four courtesy of Erling Haaland‘s hat-trick and an Antoine Semenyo effort.
On Guardiola’s reaction to the match, Lijnders added to TNT Sports: “He complimented the guys who played the last weeks and didn’t play today.
“He was really happy because it’s special if you go eight times to Wembley in eight years in a row. It’s finals now.
“It’s the part of the season where the business has to be done. The boys feel that.”